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Should I buy a Eurail Pass when traveling to Italy?

A child is between the ages of 4 and 11 years.

Many trains in Italy and beyond offer a discounted fare between 30% & 50% off the Adult fare for Children.

The child offer is now extended to children ages 4 to 14 years when traveling on high-speed Frecciarossa, Frecciabianca, Frecciargento, InterCity, InterCityNotte, EuroCity, and Thello trains. Your child will be assigned his/her own seat and children must be accompanied by an Adult when traveling on this offer.

Regional trains will still offer discounted fares for children ages 4 to 11 years.

Infants & Children 3 & under travel for free and will share a seat with the adult companion.

This option is for customers that have already purchased a Eurail Pass or InterRail Pass and wish to reserve seats or sleeping berths. Learn more about rail passes.

Most high-speed and long-distance trains require seat reservations. The fare rules for each train indicate whether seat reservations are necessary.

Note: An ItaliaPass does not entitle customers to use of passholder fares.  Roundtrip tickets are not available using a Eurail Pass or InterRail Pass.

By clicking the "I ACCEPT" button below you acknowledge that passholder fares may only be used in combination with a valid Eurail Pass or Interrail Pass.

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Traveling by train is the best way to get to know Italy. Because of the country’s relatively small size, you can easily travel between any two Italian cities in a day, while enjoying some spectacular scenery.

The Eurail Italy Pass concept allows you unlimited travel in a 24-hour period, regardless of distance covered or number of trains taken. It’s a great way to save money while enjoying unparalleled flexibility planning your vacation.

What does the Eurail Italy Pass offer?

Eurail Italy Passes are only valid on the Trenitalia network. This rail line covers 10,000 miles, including 600 miles of high-speed train tracks that connect cities and towns in Italy and throughout Europe. The Eurail Italy pass includes:

• Unlimited rail travel in Italy for 3, 4, 5 or 8 days, within a one-month period
• Discounted fares for passengers under 26 years of age (see youth), when traveling in second class ; in some cases, young children travel for free if their parent has purchased a Eurail Italy Pass
• Special passholder fares for reservations on high-speed trains
• Other bonuses, such as free or reduced transportation on some private railroads, national or international ferry crossings and buses, as well as discounts on hotel, automobile rentals, museums, and other attractions

> See which countries of residence are eligible for Eurail passes

Why should I buy an Eurail Pass when traveling around Italy?

A Eurail Italy Pass will allow you to travel between Italy’s great cities at your leisure. For example, if you’re planning a three-week stay in Italy, you can purchase a month-long Eurail Italy Pass with five days of travel. This will allow you to touch down in Rome , visit up to four other cities, and ride back to Rome in time for your flight home. All for the price of one pass!

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Explore Italy with Trenitalia Pass

Discover the Trenitalia Pass, the travel experience specifically dedicated to foreign citizens residing outside Italy, allowing them to visit Italy, starting from €139 .  

Choose the ideal Pass for your needs between  Easy and  Comfort options; select the number of journeys ranging from 3 , 4 , 7 or 10 , and the passenger categories: Adult , Senior  or Youth . You can travel on Frecce, Frecce + Freccialink, Intercity, Intercity Night and Eurocity Italy-Switzerland trains (on domestic routes within Italy).   

To use the Pass, you must book your first journey within 11 months of the date of purchase. Depending on the type of Pass you buy, you can make 3 journeys in 7 days, 4 journeys in 7 days, 7 journeys in 15 days or 10 journeys in 30 days. Days are consecutive from the first booking.

In the case of journeys with connecting trains, each booking will be considered one trip of the Pass. 

The Pass is dedicated to foreign citizens residing outside Italy. It can be purchased in e -ticket form on this web site, at Italian ticket offices, Italian and foreign travel agencies and tour operators.

Pass types:

• Easy: valid for travelling on Frecce (Standard level/2nd Class), Frecce+ Freccialink, Intercity (2nd Class), Intercity Night (2nd class seats and couchette services) trains and for Eurocity Italy-Switzerland on domestic routes within Italy (2nd Class);
• Comfort: valid for travelling on Frecce (Standard, Premium and Business levels/1st/2nd Class), Frecce+ Freccialink, Intercity (1st/2nd Class), Intercity Night (seats and T2/double or T3 WL services and couchettes) trains and for Eurocity Italy-Switzerland on domestic routes within Italy (1st/2nd Class).  

Passenger categories:

• Adult  (passengers aged between 28 and 60 years old on the date of purchase of the Pass);
• Senior  (passengers aged 60 or over on the date of purchase of the Pass);
• Youth  (passengers aged between 12 and 28 years old on the date of purchase of the Pass).

A maximum of 2 children (children aged between 4 and 12 on the date of purchase) can be added to each Adult Trenitalia Pass free of charge.

If the holder of an Adult Trenitalia Pass wishes to travel with more than two children aged between 4 and 12 , it is necessary to buy a Youth Pass for the third and subsequent children.

Children under 4 are allowed to travel free of charge provided they do not occupy their own seat. In case the child under 4 needs to occupy a seat, an Adult travelling with the child must be in possess of Child Pass. 

Booking changes (date/time, connection, train) can be made according to terms and conditions as of the "Base" fare and within the Pass validity frame.

If, after purchase, the passenger no longer needs to use his Pass, it is possible to claim a refund of 80% of the original purchase price by providing a refund request before booking the first journey .

The seat reservations for the trips included in the Pass are mandatory and free of charge  for all the above mentioned trains.

To use the Pass, you must book your first journey within 11 months of the date of purchase. From the date of your first booked journey, you have the number of days indicated by the type of Pass purchased to make the journeys available.

Journey bookings can be requested on this website, at Italian ticket offices, foreign and Italian travel agencies and tour operators Trenitalia call centre, self service ticket kiosks, FRECCIA Club and  FRECCIA Desk at Italian train stations.

The Pass is personal , non-transferable and nominative .

The Pass must be exhibited on A4 format or on a mobile device to Trenitalia personnel at the station or on board , along with a valid foreign identity document and the reservation for the train where the customer is travelling.

Journey bookings made with the Trenitalia Pass must be carried out within the period of validity. Trips cannot start  before midnight on the first day of validity of the Pass and must be completed by midnight on the last day of validity.

Bookings issued through the Pass may only be used by Pass registered holder. Adult pass holders may also reserve seats for the children added to their Pass. 

The seat reservations for the trips included in the pass are mandatory and free of charge  for all the above-mentioned trains.

• Senior: (passengers over 60 years old on the date of purchase of the Pass).
• Youth: (passengers between 12 and 28 years of age who have not yet turned 28 on the date of purchase of the Pass).
• Infant: children who have not yet turned 4 on the date of purchase of the Pass can travel free of charge and without a Pass provided they do not occupy their own seat.
• Child: (children between 4 and 12 on the date of purchase of the Pass): a maximum of 2 children travel free of charge provided they are accompanied by a paying adult. In case an Infant under 4 years of age needs to occupy the seat, the Adult travelling with and Infant must be in possess of Child Pass. 

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The 6 Best Travel Cards for Italy in 2024

If you’re traveling to Italy, a travel money card can make spending and withdrawing cash when you’re away cheaper and more convenient. Different types of travel money cards, including travel debit cards, prepaid travel cards and travel credit cards, are available to support different customer needs. The right one for you will depend on your personal preference and how you like to manage your money. 

Read on for all you need to know, including a closer look at travel money card types, some great options to consider, and the sorts of fees you need to think about when you choose. 

Wise – good value debit card for Italy

Before we get into details about different travel money card options, let’s start with the Wise card as a good all-round option that allows you to hold and spend euros - the official currency in Italy - as well as a diverse range of other world currencies.

Wise accounts can hold and exchange 40+ currencies, and you can get a linked Wise card for a one time delivery fee. Top up your account in USD and switch to EUR before you travel, so you know your travel money budget in advance - or if you’d prefer, you can simply allow the card to automatically switch currencies as and when you need it. All currency conversion uses the mid-market exchange rate, with low fees from 0.43%. Plus you can get EUR bank account details - as well as local account details for USD and up to 9 other currencies - to get paid conveniently to your Wise account . 

Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of using the Wise travel money debit card , to help you decide if it's suitable for you.

What is a travel money card?

A travel money card can be used for payments online and in stores, and for cash withdrawals, just like your regular bank card can be. However, with a travel money card you’ll find the features and fees have been optimized for international use. That might mean you get a better exchange rate compared to using your normal card overseas, or that you run into fewer fees. Some travel cards also have options to earn cashback and rewards when you use your card internationally.

6 travel money cards for Italy compared

We’ll look at each of these card options in a little more detail in just a moment, but let’s start with an overview of how 6 top travel money cards for Italy line up side by side:

As you can see, the features of different travel money cards can vary pretty widely. In general travel debit cards can be convenient and often fairly cheap to use, while travel credit cards can offer some nice perks like cashback or rewards - but do mean you might run into interest and late payment charges, depending on how you choose to pay.

Travel debit cards often let you top up a linked account online or through an app, so you can set your budget and can’t spend more than you intend. Travel credit cards on the other hand let you spend to your card limit, and then repay the amount over a few months if you’d prefer to. Which is best for you will come down to how you like to manage your money - we’ll dive into a few more details about each card type, next.

What are different types of travel cards?

Broadly speaking, US customers are able to select a travel money card from either a regular bank or a specialist provider, which may be a travel debit card, travel prepaid card or a travel credit card. We’ll walk through what each travel money card type is, and pick out a couple of good card options, so you can compare and choose.

• Travel debit cards
• Travel prepaid cards
• Travel credit cards

1. Travel Debit Cards for Italy

Travel debit cards are usually offered by specialist providers, with linked digital accounts you can use to hold and convert a currency balance. While different cards have their own features, travel debit cards can usually be topped up easily online and through an app, with the option to see your balance and get transaction notifications through your phone too. That makes it easier to keep on top of your money, no matter where in the world you are.

Travel debit card Option 1: Wise

Wise is a good value travel money debit card for Italy. There’s no fee to open a Wise account, and just a small delivery fee for your Wise card, with no minimum balance and no monthly charge. You just pay low Wise fees from 0.43% when you convert currencies, and transparent ATM fees when you exhaust the monthly free transactions available with your account.

• No fee to open a Wise account , no minimum balance requirement
• 9 USD one time fee to get your Wise card
• 2 withdrawals, to 100 USD value per month for free, then 1.5 USD + 2%
• Hold EUR and 40+ other currencies, convert between them with the mid-market rate
• Get local account details to receive EUR, USD and 8 other currencies conveniently

Travel debit card Option 2: Revolut

Revolut has a selection of different account tiers, so you can simply pick the account you prefer - from Standard plans with no monthly fee, to the 16.99 USD/month Metal plan. All Revolut accounts have linked cards, although exactly what type of card you get depends on your account tier. You can hold around 25 currencies, and convert currencies with the mid-market rate to your plan’s allowance.

• No monthly fee if you open a Standard Revolut account, or upgrade for up to 16.99 USD/month 
• Card delivery fees may apply depending on your account tier
• All accounts have some fee free weekday currency conversion with 0.5% fair usage fees after that. Out of hours and exotic currency fees may apply in some cases
• Standard plan holders can withdraw 400 USD overseas per month for free
• Hold about 25 currencies, including USD and EUR

Pros and cons of using debit travel cards in Italy

How to choose the best travel debit card for italy.

The best travel debit card for Italy really depends on your personal preferences and how you like to manage your money. If you’ll be traveling widely it makes sense to look for an account with mid-market currency exchange and a large selection of supported currencies as well as EUR, like Wise . Other providers like Revolut can also be a good pick, particularly if you’ll use your account very frequently and would prefer to pay a monthly fee to unlock lots of no fee transactions and extra perks.

Is there a spending limit with a travel debit card in Italy?

Different providers set their own limits for card use. Limits may apply daily, weekly or monthly, and can apply to different types of transactions. You might find you have a limit to the amount of ATM withdrawals you can make per day, for example, or the value of contactless payments - these limits are set for security and can sometimes be managed and changed in the provider’s app.

2. Prepaid Travel Cards for Italy

With a prepaid travel card you’ll need to order a card and add funds, to pay merchants and make cash withdrawals. While prepaid travel cards are usually issued on large global networks - and can therefore be used pretty widely - not all cards are accepted globally, so you’ll need to check network coverage in your destination country.

Prepaid travel card option 1: Bluebird American Express prepaid debit card

You can order a Bluebird prepaid debit card for free online. You’ll then be able to top up in cash or from a bank account. You can also add checks or have funds deposited by others - fees apply for some top up methods. While this card doesn’t allow you to hold foreign currencies, you won’t pay a foreign transaction fee to spend your USD balance abroad, which makes it a good choice when you’re away from home.

• Get a card for free by ordering online
• Top up in a range of ways in USD
• No foreign transaction fee when spending overseas
• ATM withdrawal fees of 2.5 USD or the equivalent when overseas
• American Express cards are not always accepted internationally - check coverage before you travel
• No interest to pay 

Prepaid travel card option 2: Discover it Secured

Discover it Secured is a credit card, but we’ve included it in our roundup of prepaid cards because it’s a secured card, which means you’ll need to pay an upfront deposit, and can then spend to that deposit level every month. Clear off your bill in full to avoid interest, and you could build a credit score, earn cashback and get no foreign transaction fees when you spend overseas, too.

• No annual card fee, although interest charges and late payment fees do apply
• No foreign transaction fees for spending overseas
• ATM withdrawal fees may apply including a 10 USD cash advance fee
• Earn cashback on spending and build credit as you do so
• Discover network is not always internationally supported - check your destination before you travel

Pros and cons of using prepaid travel cards in Italy

How to choose the best travel prepaid card for italy.

There’s no single best travel prepaid card for Italy - it’ll come down to your personal preference. If you’re looking specifically for a prepaid debit card you can use in Italy with no foreign transaction fee, try the Bluebird card option. However, if a credit card suits you, the Discover it Secured can be a strong pick thanks to the cash back options available.  

Is there a spending limit with a prepaid card in Italy?

Different prepaid travel cards set their own limits for spending and withdrawals, which can vary between currencies. You’ll need to check your card’s terms and conditions carefully to make sure you pick a provider which suits your needs.

3. Travel Credit Cards for Italy

Travel credit cards typically offer some extra international features compared to regular credit cards, such as low or no foreign transaction fees or extra option to earn rewards when you’re abroad. In general, travel credit cards are safe and convenient but can be more expensive compared to using a debit card option. Before you select the right card for you it’s important to check the fees, rates, eligibility rules and interest rates which apply, so you can make sure it’s a good fit for you.

Travel credit card option 1: Capital One Venture Rewards

The Capital One Venture Rewards card has no foreign transaction fees when you spend overseas. There’s also a comparatively low cash advance fee when you use an ATM, at 3 USD or 3% whichever is higher. You’ll need to repay your bill in full every month to avoid fees and interest, but can earn travel rewards and miles on your day to day spending.

• No foreign transaction fee
• Earn travel rewards on spending 
• Get extras like lounge access and free travel insurance
• International spending uses the network exchange rate 
• Variable interest rates which apply if you don’t pay off your bill in full

Travel credit card option 2: Chase Sapphire Preferred

The Chase Sapphire Preferred card has a variable interest rate with no foreign transaction fee to pay. However, you’ll need to pay a 95 USD annual card charge to get your card in the first place. Currency conversion uses the network exchange rate - plus there are benefits and rewards available for cardholders.

• Variable interest rates and a 95 USD annual fee
• Check your eligibility and order a card online easily
• Network exchange rates apply

Pros and cons of using credit cards in Italy

How to choose the best travel credit card for italy.

The best travel credit card for Italy will depend on your personal preferences. If you’re interested in earning rewards and cash back on your overseas spending, a travel rewards card like the Chase Sapphire Preferred could be a good bet as it has no foreign transaction fee and offers rewards on all spending. Whichever card you’re considering you’ll want to weigh up the potential fees you’ll need to pay against the rewards you can earn to make sure it’s worthwhile.

Which cards are accepted in Italy?

It’s important to know that you may find that different card networks are more popular in one country than they may be in another. For example, while Visa and Mastercard are pretty widely accepted globally, other popular US card networks, like American Express and Discover cards are less likely to be accepted in some countries and regions. In most cases it’s best to carry more than one means of payment when you travel - for example a credit card and a specialist travel money card which has been issued on a different network - so that you always have a plan B if your preferred payment method isn’t available.

Related: How to get Euros in the US

Conclusion: Which travel money card is best for Italy?

If you’ve planned travel to Italy you might want to pick a travel money card for EUR spending. Travel money cards have different features, and can be picked up via regular banks or online specialists.

You could opt for a low cost travel debit card which comes with a linked account to hold a selection of currencies - like the Wise debit card . Or you might prefer a prepaid travel money card like the Bluebird American Express debit card which can be linked to a fee free account. Finally, another option is to get a travel credit card either to earn cashback and rewards, or to avoid foreign transaction fees. 

Use this guide to start your research and pick the right option for your specific needs.

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FAQs - Best travel cards for Italy 2024

1. Which card is best to use in Italy?

There’s no single best card to use in Italy. Which is right for you will depend on your preferences and the features you want to access. Having a multi-currency account from a provider like Wise or Revolut can be a good bet as you’ll be able to hold and exchange EUR alongside dozens of other major currencies for convenience.

Related: Best Euro cards

2. What is the best way to pay when traveling in Italy?

Spending with your card is convenient when traveling in Italy, but you’ll be best off having several different payment methods just in case your first choice isn’t supported. For example, you could choose 2 different debit or credit cards, issued on different networks, and you could also get euros in advance so you have some cash on you for those times when cards aren’t available.

3. Can you withdraw cash with a credit card in Italy?

You can usually make cash withdrawals with a credit card in Italy  at any ATM that supports your card network. You’ll often find that a fee applies, and you may start to accumulate interest on the withdrawn amount immediately. Travel money debit cards from providers like Wise and Revolut can be a lower cost option for cash withdrawals in EUR.

4. Can I use a US card in Italy?

You can use your US card anywhere you see the card network’s logo displayed. Visa and Mastercard networks are very well supported globally, including in Italy, making these good options to look out for when you pick your travel debit card for Italy.

5. Are prepaid cards safe?

Prepaid cards from reputable providers are safe to use at home and abroad. They aren’t linked to your main bank account which can offer extra peace of mind, and may also make it easier to manage your travel budget. However, you’ll need to check the card features and fees carefully to make sure you're getting the best match for your needs.

6. What are the main fees for travel cards when traveling?

The fees applied for travel cards can vary widely depending on the provider and the card type. With debit cards you may find ATM fees, and costs for converting currencies, although specialist providers like Wise and Revolut have linked multi-currency accounts which can bring down the costs of currency conversion. Credit card fees include cash advance charges, foreign transaction fees and interest.

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Conditions of this Pass

Only non-European residents can travel with a Eurail Pass. If you’re a European resident you can travel with an  Interrail Pass .

Most high-speed and night trains require a reservation at an additional cost.  Learn more about seat reservations

1st class Passes are valid in both 1st and 2nd class coaches. 2nd class Passes are only valid in 2nd class coaches.

You need to activate your Eurail Pass within 11 months of the issue date. You can do this online using our free activation service at checkout, or once you've received your Pass at a European train station.

All standard Eurail Passes are refundable or exchangeable if they are returned unused.  Read our booking terms  and our refund & exchange policy .

• Depending on the promo conditions, promotional Eurail Passes may be non-refundable and non-exchangeable. To check if a purchased promotional pass is refundable or exchangeable, please refer to the payment confirmation. Read more
• To travel with a discounted Youth Pass, you must be aged from 12 up to and including 27 on the date you choose to start your trip.
• To travel with a discounted Senior Pass, you must be aged 60 or older on the date you choose to start your trip. 
• Children under 4 travel for free and do not need an Eurail Pass. You may be asked to sit a child under 4 on your lap during busy times.

Children aged 4 to 11 travel for free with a Child Pass. A child must be accompanied at all times by at least one person with an Adult Pass. This doesn’t have to be a family member and can be anyone over 18.

• Children must be 11 or younger on the date you choose to start your trip. 
• Up to 2 children can travel with 1 adult. For example, when 2 adults are travelling, they can take 4 children with them. If more than 2 children are travelling with 1 adult, a separate Youth Pass must be purchased for each additional child.

Children under 12 travel in the same travel class as the accompanying adult.

Travellers aged 12 to 27 can travel with a Youth Pass.

Global Pass

Want to see more of Europe than just 1 country? A Global Pass can take you to  over 30,000 destinations  across Europe. It's flexible, so you can decide on the day where you want to go. Or plan out your trip completely, it's all up to you!

Check out the Global Pass

Trains in Europe

Europe’s extensive rail network connects all of Europe’s top destinations from world-famous capitals to charming off-the-beaten-track towns. Choose the type of train that best fits your plans, and travel where you want by day or night.

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• Public Transport

Rome transport tickets

In Rome, visitors can purchase different types of transport tickets and travel cards depending on the number of days they stay in the city and how often they plan on using public transportation there.

Types of transport tickets

One-way ticket (bit).

The BIT ticket lasts 75 minutes since its first validation and allows for unlimited transfers between the metro, buses, trams and urban trains . The only transfer that is not allowed is to leave the metro and return (by the metro turnstiles), even if it’s in the 75 minutes of validity. The ticket costs € 1.50 ( US$ 1.60).

MetroBus 24 hours

This ticket allows unlimited public transportation from the moment the ticket is validated until midnight of the same day. The MetroBus 24 hours costs € 7 ( US$ 7.50).

MetroBus 48 hours

The 48-hour ticket allows unlimited use of Rome's public transport for 48 hours from the time it is first used. The price is € 12.50 ( US$ 13.30) .

MetroBus 72 hours

It allows unlimited use of public transport for 72 hours from the time it is used for the first time. The price is € 18 ( US$ 19.20) .

Weekly pass

If you're going to spend a week in Rome and you plan to use public transport a lot, the ideal option for you is the weekly pass, as you'll be able to use unlimited public transport for 7 days . The price is € 24 ( US$ 25.50) .

Other travel cards

If you’re planning on staying in Rome for a longer period, there are also annual and monthly travel cards.

What means of transport are included?

• Cotral bus services (within Rome)
• Urban trains : Rome–Lido, Rome–Viterbo and Rome–Pantano.
• Trenitalia Regional trains (second class).

Where to buy the travel cards and tickets?

Public transportation tickets in Rome can be bought in vending machines in any metro station, convenience stores or newsagents . There is also a way to buy tickets by SMS , but unless you have an Italian phone number, we do not recommend this option.

You may also be interested in

Unfortunately, taxi drivers don’t have a good reputation in Rome. Many tourists and locals are continually overcharged. What's more, taxi rates in Rome are considered quite high compared to certain European capital cities. Find out about the rates and tips on how to avoid being swindled.   

Money-saving tips

Besides booking your flight and hotel in advance, there are many other ways of saving money in Rome. The main way to do this is to try to reduce the cost of the admissions tickets to the city’s museums and top attractions.

How to travel to Italy with points and miles in 2024

Nov 30, 2023 • 13 min read

Town of Menaggio on Lake Como, Milan, Italy © Boris Stroujko / Shutterstock

This series of articles about credit cards, points and miles, and budgeting for travel is brought to you in partnership with The Points Guy .

Advertiser Disclosure:  This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. This relationship may impact how and where links appear on this site. This site does not include all financial companies or all available financial offers. All information about The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card, Citi Premier® Card, The World of Hyatt Credit Card, and the American Express® Green Card has been collected independently by Lonely Planet. These cards are not available through Lonely Planet.

Italy is known for its history, delicious cuisine and picturesque landscapes, making it a top destination for travelers. However, the expenses associated with traveling there can sometimes discourage people. Luckily, savvy travelers have discovered how to leverage travel credit card rewards to save money on their adventures . If you're feeling overwhelmed by the idea of navigating through the complicated world of travel rewards, don't worry. We've got you covered.

In this guide, we will explore strategies that allow you to use the best travel credit cards to book a budget trip to Italy using points. Whether you're interested in exploring ruins, immersing yourself in Milan's fashion scene or experiencing romantic gondola rides in Venice , your Italian getaway is within reach. We'll provide you with all the information you need to turn this dream into reality.

How to get started with travel points and airline miles

The cheapest award flights to Italy

Airfare to Italy can be steep during peak summer months and even award rates can skyrocket. If you’re flexible with your travel dates, you can score tickets for as low as 20,000 miles round-trip from the US. For less than the cost of a domestic flight, you can fly to Italy and save money. Some travelers like to splurge on a flatbed business class seat on long-haul flights. Using points and miles, you can achieve this with as little as one credit card welcome bonus.

Here’s a look at some of the cheapest award flights to Italy, followed by a breakdown of how to earn the required miles: 

• Cheapest economy class ticket to Italy: From 24,000 Virgin Atlantic points round-trip 
• Cheapest business class ticket to Italy: 88,000 ANA Mileage Club miles round-trip
• Cheapest first-class ticket to Italy: 135,000 Turkish Miles&Smiles miles round-trip

Best credit cards for international travel

Virgin Atlantic Flying Club

Virgin Atlantic partners with Air France and Flying Blue, which offers spectacular deals on award tickets to Italy. An off-peak economy class ticket between the East Coast and Italy costs just 24,000 Virgin points round-trip. Meanwhile, a flight from the West Coast will cost 30,000 miles round-trip. Peak flights are still reasonable at 44,000 and 50,000 points, respectively.

Off-peak business class round-trip tickets to Italy cost 97,000 points from the East Coast and 155,000 points from the West. Peak pricing comes in at 117,000 points round-trip for East Coast flights and 175,000 points from the West. 

• Economy Class: From 24,000 points round-trip (off-peak)
• Business Class: From 97,000 points round-trip 

Virgin Atlantic Flying Club points are easy to earn, thanks to 1:1 transfer partnerships with American Express Membership Rewards, Bilt Rewards, Capital One, Chase Ultimate Rewards and the Citi ThankYou program. Several of these programs offer enough points from credit card welcome bonuses to cover at least one round-trip ticket to Italy:

• The Business Platinum Card® from American Express * :   Earn 150,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $20,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.
• The Platinum Card® from American Express * : Earn 80,000 points after spending $8,000 in the first six months of card membership.
• Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card : Earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening.
• Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card : Earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening.
• American Express® Business Gold Card * : Earn 70,000 points after spending $10,000 within the first three months of card membership.
• American Express® Gold Card * :  Earn 60,000 points after spending $6,000 within the first six months of card membership.
• American Express® Green Card * : Earn 40,000 points after spending $3,000 within the first six months of card membership.
• Chase Sapphire Reserve® : Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card : Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
• Citi Premier® Card: Earn 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first three months of account opening.

The best credit cards for airport lounge access

All Nippon Airways (ANA) Mileage Club

All Nippon Airways (ANA) is a Star Alliance carrier based in Japan and offers one of the cheapest business-class flights to Italy. For just 88,000 miles round-trip, you can fly to Italy from anywhere in the US. These flights are operated by partner carriers, including United and Lufthansa.

If you decide to fly in a different cabin, you’re in for some of the lowest redemption rates. ANA charges 55,000 miles round-trip for economy and 165,000 miles for first-class flights to Italy.

• Economy Class: 55,000 miles round-trip
• Business Class: 88,000 miles round-trip
• First Class: 165,000 miles round-trip

So, how do you earn ANA miles? ANA Mileage Club is a 1:1 transfer partner of American Express Membership Rewards. You can easily cover one or two award flights to Italy, depending on which Amex card you apply for. Here’s a look at credit cards that earn Membership Rewards points:

• The Business Platinum Card® from American Express : Earn 150,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $20,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.
• The Platinum Card® from American Express : Earn 80,000 points after spending $8,000 in the first six months of card membership.
• American Express® Business Gold Card : Earn 70,000 points after spending $10,000 within the first three months of card membership.
• American Express® Gold Card :  Earn 60,000 points after spending $6,000 within the first six months of card membership.
• American Express® Green Card*: Earn 40,000 points after spending $3,000 within the first six months of card membership.

Traveling to Japan using points and miles

Turkish Miles&Smiles

Turkish Airlines is another Star Alliance carrier offering excellent flight deals to Italy. While economy and business class rates are reasonable, the first class award from the US to Italy is a bargain at 135,000 miles round-trip. While Turkish Airlines doesn’t offer first class, partner carrier Lufthansa does. If you have a stopover in Frankfurt or Munich, you can even check out the First Class Terminal, where you can hitch a ride across the tarmac directly to your plane. 

• Economy Class: 60,000 miles round-trip
• Business Class: 90,000 miles round-trip
• First Class: 135,000 miles round-trip

Turkish Miles&Smiles is a 1:1 transfer partner of Bilt Rewards, Capital One Miles and the Citi ThankYou program. As such, there are tons of ways to accrue enough for a round-trip award ticket to Italy. Here are some of the cards you can apply for to stock up on miles:

Best credit cards for adventure travel

Italy hotels you can book with points 

Lodging is one of the most significant expenses when traveling to Europe and Italy is no exception. When making a travel budget with points , you should do so with the understanding that you might only be able to cover some nights on points. Still, you can save substantially by taking advantage of hotel credit cards .

Italy offers exceptional hotels across multiple chains, though they can be pricey. You can usually get a good deal on hotels located far from city centers, though that makes it difficult to get around and see the sights. Using points for hotels is a great way to save money on hotel expenses.

To help you budget, we’ve built an itinerary based on Lonely Planet’s first-timer’s guide to Italy . You can adjust the itinerary based on your interests. Here’s a look at how you can cover lodging in each city using credit card points:

10 amazing hotels around the world you can book with points

Stop 1: Rome

Rome is a great starting point for a trip to Italy. Since it houses the country’s largest airport (Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport), many airlines offer direct flights or connections to other major European airports. Rome is also filled with historical sights and renowned restaurants you don’t want to miss. Hotels can be pricey, but we recommend staying at the Hotel D'inghilterra using Hyatt points.

This Category 7 hotel is located within walking distance of the Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps and other famous sights. Room rates range from 25,000 to 35,000 points per night, which is reasonable compared to other hotel loyalty programs. You can cover up to two nights with the welcome bonus from The World of Hyatt Credit Card or the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card . You can also transfer points 1:1 from your Bilt Rewards or Chase Ultimate Rewards account.

Best credit cards for traveling with kids

Stop 2: Milan

Known as Italy's fashion and design capital, Milan offers a compelling blend of rich history, style and culture, making it a must-visit destination. The city is a shopping paradise, boasting luxurious boutiques and flagship stores from the world's most renowned designers. Additionally, Milan's vibrant arts scene, lively nightlife and architectural marvels ensure visitors can experience a mix of culture, creativity and fun. Whether you're a history buff or a fashion enthusiast, Milan offers something for every traveler.

The Hotel Indigo Milan - Corso Monforte is an excellent base to explore the city. You can redeem IHG points, though the exact amount will vary since the program no longer publishes an award chart. In test searches, we’ve found rates as low as 36,500 points per night. Remember that those with an IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card , IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card or IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card can get the fourth night free on award bookings. All three cards offer substantial welcome bonuses that will cover at least two nights or more at the Hotel Indigo Milan.

If you’re short on points, you can also transfer IHG points 1:1 from Bilt Rewards or Chase Ultimate Rewards. 

10 incredible branded hotels that have boutique hotel vibes

Stop 3: Lake Como

A stunning retreat just an hour from Milan, Lake Como offers a scenic escape from the big city. Visitors can explore quaint lakeside villages like Bellagio, Varenna and Menaggio, each offering a unique blend of culture, history and natural beauty. The region's idyllic architecture provides a glimpse into Italy's aristocratic past, while the pristine waters allow for various water activities.

You don’t have to be George Clooney to enjoy the beauty of the Italian Alps. The Hilton Lake Como costs around 63,000 points per night, depending on the travel season. You can cover up to two nights with points from the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card * or The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card. Both cards offer automatic Gold elite status, so you can enjoy complimentary breakfast, room upgrades and other benefits. 

Stop 4: Venice

We get it: Venice is unpleasant when overrun by tourists. But visit during the shoulder season and the Floating City is delightful, with its intricate network of canals and gothic architecture. Take a stroll through its magical streets or float in a gondola along the Grand Canal and you’ll find yourself transported to a bygone era of elegance and grandeur. The city's iconic landmarks, such as St. Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace, showcase centuries of art and history, while the local cuisine offers a taste of authentic Italian flavors. 

You can stay at the five-star St. Regis Venice on the Grand Canal for around 76,000 points per night, depending on the time of year. This hotel offers unparalleled luxury and is consistently voted one of the best hotels in Venice and beyond.

With the welcome bonus from the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card *, you can earn 185,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first six months of card membership, good for two free nights with points to spare. 

If you need to top off your Marriott account, you can do so with one of the other co-branded credit cards or by transferring points 1:1 from Amex Membership Rewards and Chase Ultimate Rewards.

Best credit cards for road trips

Activities and ground transportation

When making a travel budget for a trip to Italy, you’ll want to factor in the cost of ground transportation and activities. These expenses can add up the longer your trip is. A great way to offset some of these expenses is by using flexible rewards. For example, the Capital One Venture  and Capital One Venture X  cards provide exceptional flexibility in using your miles for travel. Simply charge a qualifying travel expense to your card and you can redeem 1 cent per mile towards it. 

The Chase Sapphire Preferred  card lets you redeem points towards activities and travel expenses through Chase Travel℠ at 1.25 cents each. The Chase Sapphire Reserve  offers a generous 1.5 cents per point. While you can get more value from your points by redeeming them for airfare and luxury hotels, there’s nothing wrong with using them for activities and ground transit. After all, points are supposed to help you save money on travel . So feel free to use your points however you see fit. 

Should you book travel with cash or points?

Bottom line

Turning your dream trip to Italy into reality is achievable using points and miles. By taking advantage of bonuses offered by travel credit cards, you can cover expenses and even enhance your travel experience. Hopefully, the tips and strategies in this article serve as a starting point for planning your itinerary, devising a credit card strategy and making the most out of your rewards.

Traveling to Europe using points and miles

*Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit  americanexpress.com/benefitsguide  for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.

Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit  americanexpress.com  to learn more.

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

This article was first published October 2023 and updated November 2023

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Italy Green Pass

Information for tourists

What Is the Current Health Situation in Italy?

How Do I Get a Green Pass for Travel in Italy?

Travel to Italy: What You Need to Know Now

Green pass no longer required for entry.

As of June 1, 2022, the Italian government no longer requires a green pass for entry into the country. This means that travelers do not have to show any Covid-19 documentation upon entry (vaccination or recovery certificate or negative Covid test). For more information, see the Italian Health Ministry's Covid-19 Information for Travelers website.

Domestic Green Pass no longer in place

Italy removed its domestic green pass requirement as of May 1, 2022. A green pass is only required in certain hospital and ER situations. A basic green pass is still required for entry to Italy from a foreign country. The Italian health ministry website lists entry requirements as the following: From 1 May, regardless of … Continue reading Domestic Green Pass no longer in place

Guide to green pass restrictions starting April 1

The Italian government is rolling back green pass restrictions in a gradual phased approach starting April 1.

Vaccination certificate valid indefinitely for those with booster

The vaccination certificate is valid in Italy indefinitely for those with a third dose booster, following a meeting of the Italian cabinet met on February 2. The government decided on new measures including an extension of vaccination certificates beyond six months for those who have completed their booster dose (or have recovered from Covid after … Continue reading Vaccination certificate valid indefinitely for those with booster

Italy Adds Four New Yellow Zones January 10, 2022

Italy added four new yellow zones on January 10, 2022: the regions of Abruzzo, Emilia Romagna, Tuscany and Valle Aosta. They were added to the list of 11 regions and autonomous provinces that were already designated as yellow zones.

New Decree on Super Green Pass Restrictions

Questions about how to get a super green pass? Visit our FAQ page. New super green pass restrictions will come into effect in Italy starting January 10, 2022 and through the end of the current state of emergency on March 31, 2022, based on a government decree on December 29, 2021. The additional activities previously allowed with … Continue reading New Decree on Super Green Pass Restrictions

New ‘Holiday Decree’ – December 23, 2021

Questions about how to get a super green pass? Visit our FAQ page. The government approved a new 'holiday decree' in Italy on Thursday, December 23, 2021, that was made official on December 25, 2021 when it was published in the country's Official Gazette.  Here is a summary of the new restrictions, effective immediately through … Continue reading New ‘Holiday Decree’ – December 23, 2021

Super Green Pass Requirements – Chart

Questions about how to get a super green pass? Visit our FAQ page. The Italian government has produced a chart in Italian outlining super green pass requirements in place from April 1 to April 30, 2022. It also shows access requirements to various public activities for people without a green pass and with a basic green pass. … Continue reading Super Green Pass Requirements – Chart

Find out the current health situation in Italy and restrictions for tourists to Italy.

What is the Super Green Pass for holidays in Italy?

Questions about how to get a super green pass? Visit our FAQ page. The Italian government implemented a Super Green Pass to regulate access to certain activities throughout the country during the holiday season 2021. It was originally set to run through January 15, 2022, as Prime Minister Mario Draghi said the move was aimed … Continue reading What is the Super Green Pass for holidays in Italy?

Rome Transport Passes

Looking to get the best value out of your publ i c transport tickets in Rome? We’ll talk you through the different passes available , looking at price, validity, and how to use them to help you find the right ticket for your trip.

Types of Rome Transport Passes

Atac weekly pass.

If you want unlimited use of the Eternal City’s public transport system – including the metro , buses , trams , and some urban trains – for a full week, this ATAC pass will give you exactly what you’re looking for.

Once validated, you can use the pass for a full seven days (until midnight on the final day). With this pass, you can use the metro and buses without having to worry about purchasing multiple tickets or rushing to buy one before you depart.

Please bear in mind that you would need to use public transport quite a bit for it to become a good value. With this single ticket and much of Rome’s historic centre very walkable, it’s unusual that the week-long pass earns its cost.

Rome’s best-value tourist pass has unlimited public transport use wrapped up in its ticket price. While you’re only able to choose between a two or three-day pass, you could pack a lot into those days. If you’re only in Rome for a weekend, it’s the perfect amount of time.

The Roma Pass grants you entry to two major sites, as well as reduced prices on many other attractions and museums . The best value is the 48-hour Roma Pass.

If you’re planning on visiting the attractions listed on the Roma Pass anyway, it’s really a no-brainer. You can purchase the pass online, but it’s easiest to pick one up from a tourist office in the city.

If the week pass is too long, but you still want the ease of unlimited use, a MetroBus pass may offer the perfect solution.

You can buy a one-day, two-day, or three-day Metrobus pass, all of which grant you unlimited use of buses , trams , and metro lines , as well as some urban train lines for the duration of the ticket.

Like the week pass, unless you’re using public transport a lot – if you’re staying out of the centre, for instance – these are often not good value for money.

A single-use, BIT ticket is enough to cover most journeys in Rome, as it lasts for 100 minutes after validation (and very few trips across the city will take longer than that). You can even swap bus lines with the same ticket as long as you stay within the 100-minute time frame.

If the journey required it, you could get the metro and then a bus – though it’s important to remember once you leave the metro system altogether, you can’t get back in through the gate, even if you’re still within the validity period.

The BIT ticket is great value for money. You can use it on buses, trams, the metro, and some urban trains. As the main tourist sites are very walkable, many visitors will find that they use the transport system only once or twice a day at most; for these people, the BIT ticket is easily the best value.

It is, however, slightly more inconvenient than having a multi-day pass, as you will have to purchase multiple tickets, which may mean going out of your way to finding a Tabacchi shop – inconvenient if you’re rushing to catch a bus!

General Information

Where to purchase.

As mentioned, metro stations, larger bus stops, and Tabacchi shops are good places to purchase tickets. Tabacchi shops are essentially newsagents marked with a ‘T’ sign. At metro stations, you can use a ticket machine or, if there’s one available, go to the ticket counter.

It’s important to remember that you can’t buy tickets onboard.

For the Roma Pass , look for any tourist information point. You can purchase a ticket online, but it makes getting your physical ticket a little more complicated.

What Means of Transport are Included?

Buses, trams, the metro, and some urban lines are included as part of the public transport network. Check the Atac website to confirm if you’re travelling outside the centre.

Can I ‘Tap and Go’ or Get Tickets On My Phone?

Contactless payments are increasingly common in major cities. Unfortunately, this trend hasn’t quite made it fully into Rome – it is an ancient city, after all! While you don’t have to pay in gold aureus, you can’t purchase tickets on buses and trams by tapping your card. It is an option on the metro, however; just don’t forget to tap out again on the gate as you leave. 

E-tickets are another option, as you can buy tickets and passes through a B+ app like myCicero . This saves you the worry of having to rush to buy a ticket, and is easier to keep track of than a paper version!

It’s not as simple as just tapping a card on the way in and out for most visitors in Rome – where there is ticket validity, there is room for confusion.

How to Activate and Validate Your Ticket?

We’ll focus first on the most commonly used ticket, BIT. Once validated, you can travel on public transport for 100 minutes. 

It’s easiest on the metro, where simply passing through one of the turnstiles will validate your ticket. On buses and trams, look for a small yellow machine onboard; insert your ticket, and it will be stamped with a time, which means your ticket is now validated. If you have an e-ticket, a single ticket for the bus should be validated by reading a QR Code.

For other multi-day passes, you will still need to stamp them (or put them through a metro gate) to activate the pass. Once a pass is validated, you don’t need to validate it again each time you get on; just keep the pass with you, ready to show any inspectors if they get on.

The Roma Pass is valid from its first use (this can be the first attraction if it happened before you used public transport) and should be kept with you at all times, like the multi-day passes. 

Tips for Using Rome Transport Passes

Here are a few tips on how to get the best out of the ticket you choose:

• Don’t overestimate the amount you will use it. Much of Rome is walkable, especially if you plan on staying in the historic centre. Don’t assume the week pass will be the best value if you only plan on seeing the major sights; you may use it a lot less than you expect! 
• Always remember to validate. Your ticket won’t be checked on every journey, but inspections happen regularly. Just having a ticket isn’t enough to avoid a hefty fine – you have to validate it as well.
• Keep your pass somewhere safe. It may sound obvious, but it’s easy to let a small paper ticket fall out of your bag or accidentally leave it at your hotel if you’re using a pass over multiple days! A small cross-body bag is always a good idea, as it’s safer from pickpockets.
• Buy multiple single tickets at once. If you’re only planning on using BIT tickets (which is the best value option for most visitors), buy a few at once. Having a few tickets ready to go will save you from searching for a Tabacchi shop if you’re rushing to the bus.
• Roma Pass for new visitors. If you’ve never been to Rome before and plan on visiting the major sites, consider the Roma Pass. It may not be worthwhile for some seasoned visitors but is great value if you’re planning on going to the attractions anyway.

The 6 Best Credit Cards For Travel to Italy in 2024

Jarrod Suda

A writer and editor at Monito, Jarrod is passionate about helping people apply today’s powerful finance technologies to their lives. He brings his background in international affairs and his experiences living in Japan to provide readers with comprehensive information that also acknowledges the local context.

Links on this page, including products and brands featured on ‘Sponsored’ content, may earn us an affiliate commission. This does not affect the opinions and recommendations of our editors.

When choosing the best credit card for your foreign travels, steer clear of cards with foreign transaction fees and opt for ones with universal acceptance. In Italy and the EU more broadly, Visa and Mastercard are seamless choices, while it'll be harder for you to find businesses that accept AMEX and (especially) Discover.

Italian law requires businesses to accept card, so you should have no trouble relying on your credit cards (and earning points while you're at it). But it doesn't hurt to have cash on hand for local markets, street vendors, and emergencies. In this guide, we also consider debit cards like Revolut and Wise for ATM withdrawals to dodge credit card cash advance fees.

Revolut and Wise offer multi-currency accounts, allowing you to convert your USD balances to Euros at the mid-market rate:

• Revolut : Withdraw $400/mo, then a 2% fee applies (for Standard tier members);
• Wise : Withdraw $100/mo, then a $1.50 charge plus 2% fee applies.

6 Best Travel Credit Cards for Italy in 2024

• 01. Revolut Standard Card — Cheapest way to get cash and lounge access scroll down
• 02. Wise Multi-Currency Card — Best prepaid travel debit card scroll down
• 03. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card — Best for dining and travel points scroll down
• 04. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card — Best intro offer scroll down
• 05. American Express® Gold Card — Best way to redeem at airlines scroll down
• 06. Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card — Best premium travel card scroll down

The Best Credit Cards to Use in Italy in 2024

Explore the best cards for travel spending in Italy this vacation season. In addition to a credit card without foreign transaction fees that earns points on purchases, also consider a debit card to take out cash cheaply from ATMs.

Data quoted 14 March 2024

Revolut Travel Multi-Currency Debit Card

Revolut is the best option to take out cash cheaply in Italy, thanks to its favorable ATM withdrawal policy that allows for $400 worth of free withdrawals each month. By converting your USD ($) deposits to EUR (€) prior to your transaction (which you can do in the mobile app), the ATMs will recognize your Revolut card as local, bypassing the need for dynamic currency conversion .

Moreover, Revolut offers the added luxury of lounge access not only across major Italian airports like FCO, VCE, and MXP but also worldwide, at a cost of $37 per person. This one-off cost certainly beats the high annual membership fees charged by lounge-access credit cards. If you are a paid member of Revolut's higher tiers, you'll receive discounts on lounge access and get a suite of travel insurance benefits.

While the paid tiers offer higher allowances and more perks, this is what you'll get under Revolut's Standard plan:

• No monthly fee for the Standard Plan;
• $400 of fee-free ATM withdrawals per month, then a 2% fee;
• Airport lounge passes for $37 per person;
• Supports 35 currency balances including EUR;
• No FX fee for the first $1,000 exchanged monthly;
• Revolut's FX rate is industry-low, usually ~0.5% ( check live here ).

Learn more: Read our in-depth Revolut review or watch our video review .

• Trust & Credibility 8.9
• Service & Quality 7.9
• Fees & Exchange Rates 8.3
• Customer Satisfaction 9.4

Wise Multi-Currency Card

The Wise Multi-Currency Account is well-suited if you just need a small amount in cash in Italy, since Wise offers a $100 limit on fee-free withdrawals per month. Beyond this, withdrawals incur a $1.50 fee plus 2%.

If you are not going to take out cash, then card or digital wallet purchases with Wise are a great debit option because it applies the mid-market exchange rate on your purchases (Wise will instead charge an industry-low fee of around 0.5%).

However, just remember that Revolut offers a slightly better deal with $1,000 of fee-free exchanges per month, a feature that Wise does not match.

Here are benefits of the Wise multi-currency account at a glance:

• Opening an account costs $0;
• Offers $100 fee-free ATM withdrawals per month;
• Supports over 40 currencies, including EUR;
• Offers foreign bank details for 10 countries;
• Uses the mid-market rate ( check live here ), with a small fixed fee.

Learn more: Read our in-depth Wise review or watch our video review .

• Trust & Credibility 9.3
• Service & Quality 8.9
• Fees & Exchange Rates 7.6
• Customer Satisfaction 9.6

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is a staple in my Apple Wallet, serving as my go-to card for all card transactions. Back when I earned the bonus offer, I was able to pay for a round-trip flight from Japan to California, when redeemed through Chase Travel.

For the perks that Chase offers, the $95 annual fee is very reasonable. You'll pay 21.49%–28.49% variable APR on unpaid balances, so pay your monthly balance on time in full to avoid accumulating interest .

Here's a breakdown of the card's offerings:

• Earn 60,000 points after meeting a $4,000 spend in the first 3 months;
• Get $50 in credits each year for hotels through Chase Travel;
• 5x points on travel booked through Chase Travel;
• 2x on other travel purchases;
• 3x points on dining, online groceries , and select streaming services;
• 1x points on all other purchases;
• Each anniversary, get points equal to 10% of total yearly purchases;
• 1:1 point transfer to partners;
• Comprehensive travel and purchase coverage;
• Uses Visa network rate ( check live rate here );
• No foreign transaction fees .

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

My brother chose this card for last year for his international travels, largely for its generous bonus offer and the simplicity of earning 2x miles on every purchase. He was confident he would meet the spending threshold to secure the bonus miles, which helped him cover the entire cost of a US to EU round trip this year. The next time I plan a big flight, this will be the first card I consider to help me with the cost.

The card carries a $95 annual fee, a great trade for the value it delivers, especially for avid travelers. The 19.99% - 29.99% variable APR is similar to that of Chase. It's wise to pay off your full balance monthly to avoid interest.

Here's what makes the Capital One Venture Card a great option for travelers to Italy:

• Earn 75,000 miles after meeting a $4,000 spend in the first 3 months;
• Unlimited 2x miles;
• Earn 5x miles on hotels and rental cars through Capital One Travel;
• If you find a better price with 24 hours, Capital One will match it;
• Get up to $50 in travel credit if price drops within 10 days of booking;
• Emergency replacement and cash advance if card is lost or stolen;
• Flexibility to transfer miles to over 15+ travel loyalty programs;
• Uses Visa ( check here ) or Mastercard network rate ( check here );

American Express® Gold Card

The American Express® Gold Card is an appealing option for those looking for a travel card from American Express, which is known for its points programs. This card is best for domestic spending within the USA since some spending categories can only earn extra points within the country. AMEX has the most airline points transfer partners of any major U.S. credit card loyalty program, making it an ideal card to help you pay for your flight to Italy.

Some of the best airlines active in Italy that also allow the transfer of AMEX points include Singapore Airlines, Emirates, Etihad, Delta, Iberia, Air France, and British Airways.

With a $250 annual fee, the AMEX Gold Card is more expensive than the other cards on this list. But when compared to other AMEX cards, this one is fairly average in terms of price (The Green Card has a $150 annual fee while the Platinum Card's fee is $695). AMEX Gold charges a variable APR of 21.24% to 29.24%.

Here are the benefits that come with this AMEX credit card:

• Earn 60,000 points after meeting a $6,000 spend in the first 6 months;
• 4x points at restaurants worldwide;
• 4x points for takeout and delivery in the US;
• 4x points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per year);
• 3x points on flights booked directly with airlines or on AMEX Travel;
• 1x points on other eligible purchases;
• $120 Dining Credit, up to $10 monthly at participating partners;
• $120 Uber Cash, get $10 each month for Uber;
• Receive $100 credit with a two-night minimum stay on AMEX Travel;
• Uses AMEX network rate ( check here );

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

The Capital One Venture X credit card is one of the best-priced premium cards on the market, offering exceptional benefits for frequent travelers. It has an incredible 10x reward rate on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One's portal and 5x on flight purchases, with 2x on all other purchases. The card essentially pays for itself with a $300 travel credit applicable to any booking through Capital One's travel portal.

Moreover, subscribers receive a membership to the Cultivist, a museum membership program. In Venice, this perk grants free access to renowned attractions like Ca’ Rezzonico, Doge’s Palace, and Palazzo Grassi.

The 19.99% - 29.99% variable APR is the same as the regular Venture Rewards card. The main up front difference is the $395 annual fee, as opposed to the Venture card's $95 annual fee.

Here are the key benefits of the Venture X card:

• Earn 75,000 points after meeting a $4,000 spend in the first 3 months;
• Receive 10,000 bonus miles every year starting on first anniversary;
• $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel;
• Up to $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®;
• Unlimited lounge access for you and 2 guests worldwide;
• Hertz President’s Circle status for free car upgrades;

What Are the Best Credit Cards to Use in Italy For Travel in 2024?

Revolut stands out as the best option for withdrawing cash at ATMs in Italy, thanks to its generous $400 monthly fee-free withdrawal limit. If you exceed this limit, Wise is a reliable backup, also doubling as an excellent debit card for international spending .

When it comes to Chase and Capital One, it's a tough call for me; I'd use both if I wanted. The great AMEX rewards program pays for itself, but also seems like a good tool to use before heading to Italy.

Ultimately, your choice of card for your trip to Italy will likely hinge on a mix of cash withdrawal needs , earning points while on your trip, and using accumulated points to pay for your flights:

• Revolut Standard Card — Cheapest way to get cash and lounge access
• Wise Multi-Currency Card — Best prepaid travel debit card
• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card — Best for dining and travel points
• Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card — Best intro offer
• American Express® Gold Card — Best way to transfer points to ANA
• Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card — Best premium travel

Do not fall for the dynamic currency conversion trap.

When prompted by ATMs abroad to pay in either USD or the local currency, always choose the local currency. At ATMs in Italy , always choose to pay in EUR (€).

How To Choose the Best Credit Cards for Travel to Italy

When searching for for a travel credit card to use in Italy, the main principle is to get a card that fits your lifestyle (i.e. if you dine out often, visit airports often, prefer the simplicity of cash back, don't mind high annual fees, etc).

Here are six good points to take into consideration as you look around for credit cards to use during your travels across the peninsula:

• Avoid Foreign Transaction Fees: One non-negotiable for us is to find a card that waives foreign transaction fees . Otherwise, these extra charges add up, since you're making purchases made in a foreign currency.
• Earn Bonus Rewards: Look for cards offering bonus rewards on travel expenses like dining, flights, hotels, and transportation. You can redeem those points for cash or future purchases.
• Improve Your Airport Experience: Consider cards with lounge access to enhance your travel experience and provide added comfort during layovers.
• Consider Global Entry: Some credit cards offer Global Entry credits to expedite airport security processes, saving time and hassle upon your return home.
• Get Statement Credits: Many cards offer statement credits of around $50 to $300 for travel expenses, helping to offset costs associated with accommodations and transportation. The caveat is that you need to spend the credit through that credit card's travel portal.
• Receive Valuable Protections: All credit cards come with fraud protection. However, some provide additional valuable protections like travel insurance in Italy for delayed flights, lost baggage, lost cell phones, extended warranties on goods, and car rental damage waivers.

What Credit Cards Are Accepted in Italy?

Any US credit card bearing the Visa or Mastercard logo will generally work in Italy. American Express is also accepted in some places. Discover cards may be the least widely accepted. Just make sure your card does not charge foreign transaction fees , as these can accumulate quickly.

Is Visa or Mastercard Accepted in Italy?

Yes, Visa and Mastercard are accepted in nearly all establishments that take cards, like hotels, restaurants, and retail stores.

Can I Use Credit Cards to Take Out Cash in Italy?

Using credit cards for cash withdrawals should be considered an emergency option only, as it triggers a cash advance with high APR charges from your bank. For cash withdrawals, we highly recommend you use debit cards , both in the US and abroad, to avoid these high fees.

Try to find an ATM with Banca Nazionale del Lavoro (BNL). As a member of the Global ATM Alliance , BNL ATMs won't charge withdrawal fees on debit cards of another bank within the alliance.

Is It Better to Use a Credit Card in Italy?

Using credit cards in Italy can be great for earning points while you spend on travels. All businesses in Italy are required to accept card as well. It's also a good idea to withdraw cash cheaply from ATMs with a Revolut or Wise debit card (and not with a credit card).

References Used In This Guide

Revolut. Pricing Plans . Accessed 14 March 2024. Revolut. Standard Fees . Accessed 14 March 2024. Wise. Cost to Withdraw Cash . Accessed 14 March 2024. Chase. Sapphire Preferred Credit Card . Accessed 14 March 2024. Capital One. Venture Credit Card . Accessed 14 March 2024. American Express. Gold Credit Card . Accessed 14 March 2024. Capital One. Venture X Credit Card . Accessed 14 March 2024.

Other Guides on Travel Money and the Best Cards to Use Abroad

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On this page, rome public transport, tourist transport & passes, rome fiumicino airport, rome ciampino airport, civitavecchia cruise port.

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• Naples hotels
• Pisa hotels
• Sorrento hotels
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Rome public transport tickets and travel passes

Make informed ticket purchase for travel on rome metro, buses, trams and train services.

The great thing about travelling by public transport in Rome is that all tickets are integrated. One ticket will get you around on buses, trams, trains and the Metro very cheaply.

Tickets are also easy to purchase as they can be picked up from any of the numerous kiosks in most tourist areas, particularly in places such as Termini Station . From January 2023 contactless payments will also be accepted across the ATAC network.

You can now also purchase a 72-hr public transport ticket in advance of your trip and have it sent to your home address, this allows you to be completely prepared upon arrival. Buy your 72-hr Public Transport Pass in advance now.

There are a few different types of tickets to choose from, including 100 minutes to weekly passes, which we go into details on further down the page. The general rule of thumb though is that if you're going to be using these transport options for less than 5 journeys in one day, the 100 minute ticket is suitable for the majority of tourist needs.

Rome is a stunning city to walk around with treasures found round every corner so don't discount walking around certain areas as the best option.

ROME BUS, TRAM & METRO PRICES 2024

Public transportation is free for children under 10 years old, with accompanying adult.

Top of the page

About rome public transport, what you can use public transport tickets on.

Public transport tickets are valid for all city public transport - city buses and trams , Metro and some rail services within the Rome urban area.

Ticketing on Rome public transport is comparatively simple, there are no complicated travel zones or peak/off peak travel periods.

What's not covered by Rome public transport tickets

There are a few transport options you cannot use public transport tickets on.

For the visitor the main choices not covered are:

- The Leonardo Express train running non-stop between Fiumicino Airport and Rome's Termini Station.

- Any airport bus or train to either of Rome's two airports, Fiumicino or Ciampino.

- The trains to and from Rome's cruise port, Civitavecchia .

- Rome's hop-on hop-off sightseeing buses.

Your transport ticket choice

For short term visitors to Rome you have a very straight forward choice of ticketing options.

Your only decision is whether you need single tickets or 24, 48 or 72-hour passes or a 7 calendar day travel pass.

A single ticket is valid for 100 minutes, allowing you to switch bus lines if there is no direct service. On the metro you can switch Metro lines at Termini Station with one ticket.

When you buy any transport ticket it is not stamped with a start date.

You have the responsibility to stamp your ticket on machines provided for that purpose before you start your journey.

If you travel with a blank unstamped ticket it's no different to travelling without a ticket at all.

The tickets themselves are card with a magnetic strip like the 7-day travel pass image here.

Contactless payments work in the same way they do everywhere else, you tap on the reader as you go. You can pay with card, device or download an app. A ticket inspector will ask to see your card/app if they need to check you have paid for travel.

Rome bus, tram & Metro fares & tickets

All local public transport is integrated in Rome. You have to purchase your tickets before you board any public transport in Rome. Most people will have a pass of one kind or another.

Tickets for both the bus system and Metro can be purchased from tobacconists, bars, or vending machines at Metro stations and major bus stops. On both buses and metro there is a flat fare, whether you go one stop or to the end of the line. On buses your ticket is valid for 100 minutes allowing you to change buses using a single ticket.

From January 2023 contactless payments will also be accepted across the ATAC network.

At Metro stations there are ticket barriers where you have to insert your ticket to enter and leave the Metro station.

On buses and trams you will find ticket validation machines similar to that pictured below. If you have a single ticket then enter the ticket into the machine. If you have purchased a pass, you put the pass into the machine on your first journey. This stamps the date and time from which the pass or ticket is valid.

Groups of ticket inspectors from time to time descend on to a bus or platform to check all passengers have valid tickets. If not you will incur a heavy fine. Playing the innocent tourist doesn't work.

Where to buy your public transport tickets

You can buy the travel passes from a variety of sources including vending machines and manned ticket offices at Metro stations and many news-stands / tobacconists like the one pictured at the top of the page.

If you don't speak Italian and are nervous about using vending machines, rest assured most of the people serving at the outlets where tourists frequent normally speak good English, often much better than your hotel.

Most independent visitors to Rome will arrive in Rome city centre at Termini Station. Many kiosks within the station like the one pictured at the top advertise they sell transport tickets.

Out the front of Termini Railway Station by the bus station is the row of kiosks pictured here that specialise in selling travel passes and tours. They advertise the transport passes prominently with prices displayed boldly and staff speak good English too.

These kiosks are conveniently situated next to a Rome public transport information kiosk.

Ticket machines are multi-lingual, easy to use and seemingly reliable. There are manned ticket counters at the key stations. You can also decide to just pay as you go using a contactless card/enabled device.

As yet there is no facility provided by the public transport authority themselves for advance purchase over the internet though there are a couple of options offered by third parties aimed at the first time tourist visitor.

Recent developments have allowed us to now offer a 72-hr Rome Public Transport Pass that you can purchase before you arrive in Rome. This pass is posted to you at home before you leave for Rome, so you can use public transport straight away upon arrival.

Buy your 72-hr Public Transport Pass in advance now.

Validating your public transport tickets

When you first purchase a travel pass or ticket it is blank.

The travel pass only becomes 'live' after you have validated it (stamped with the date you first use it). Showing a ticket inspector an invalidated ticket is no different to having no ticket at all.

On the Metro lines the travel pass is automatically validated when you pass through the ticket barriers for the first time.

On other modes of transport there is a validating machine inside buses and trams and on the platforms of train stations where it is your responsibility to insert your pass into the machine and get it validated.

Single ticket are valid for 100 minutes from the time stamped on the ticket. On buses and trams you can switch routes within this timespan and on the Metro you can switch Metro trains at Termini Station without going through any ticket barrier.

24hr, 48 and 72hr passes are valid from time of validation to the end of the period stated on the card.

Finding your way around

Most visitors will only be travelling in a compact area in the centre of Rome where all the main attractions and hotel districts are situated. The Metro system is very simple, at the moment just 3 lines, only two of which are of use to tourists.

If the Metro is not the solution to an individual journey then the local city buses will be the answer. At first sight the number and complexity of bus routes can seem overwhelming.

On the ground less so, as each route at each bus stop is laid out clearly with all the stops to its terminus. There is normally at least one direct bus going to the destination you require on short trips. Buses are very frequent too.

The bus and Metro map, (link above) covers all of the central area if you want an orientation of routes in advance.

If you are planning on using public transport extensively to get around Rome and visit attractions outside the tourist hotspots in the centre then investing in a Rome bus and Metro map is worthwhile. You can find these sold in most news-stands around bus and train stations like Termini Station.

Outside the front of Termini Station, the main local public transport hub in Rome there is a public transport information kiosk for tourists on one side of the bus station.

Roma Cristiana tour bus plus Rome public transport bundle (1 & 3-day tickets)

Save time and money with the Vatican and Rome card!

It's a straight forward proposition, combine the Roma Cristiana hop on, hop off city sightseeing bus with a 1 or 3 day public transport pass .

The public transport covering all of Rome's metro, tram, suburban train and bus system. Roma Cristiana is one of Rome's leading Hop On, Hop Off sightseeing buses that visits all the major sights in the city of Rome.

Both are combined in one convenient and money saving pass that covers all your transport requirements when visiting Rome.

Travelcard Vatican & Rome

• Includes hop-on, hop-off bus, metro, public bus, tram and trains • Children under 10 free • 1-day or 3-day tickets available

Omnia Card - 3-day pass hop-on hop-off bus, public transport pass, Roma Pass & Vatican Card

Adult €129, child (6 to 17 years old) €59.

The Omnia Card is the most comprehensive sightseeing pass.

When you buy this exclusive travel and sightseeing card, you get access to all Rome’s public transport with a 3-day public transport pass, the Roma Cristiana hop-on, hop-off sightseeing bus, Roma Pass and Omnia Vatican Card.

The pass is offered through Opera Romana Pellegrinaggi (ORP) a branch of the Vicariate of Rome, organ of the Holy See directed by the Cardinal Vicar of the Pope.

This complete solution to your transport and sightseeing needs include:

Roma Cristiana hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus

3-day public transport pass

Fast track admission to Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel with the Omnia Vatican Card

Fast track admission to St. Peter’s Basilica with the Omnia Vatican Card

The Roma Pass with free entry to two top Rome attractions like the Coliseum, Borghese Gallery, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill and Capitoline Museums

Discounted entry to more than 30 other Rome attractions with the Roma Pass

Omnia Card Rome

• FREE entry to two top attractions including the Colosseum • Includes hop-on, hop-off bus • 3-day public transport pass • Fast-track to Vatican and Sistine Chapel • Fast-track St Peter's

Best SIM Card for Italy Travel with Data

Last Updated on December 3, 2023

by Michael Rozenblit

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

If you’re dreaming of visiting Italy in the near future, your trip planning is likely to be centred around all the great food you’ll eat, the incredible cities you’ll visit or the beautiful natural sites to see. It’s easy to overlook some important logistical issues such as how you’ll stay connected on the road which is why we’ve created this guide for the best sim card for Italy travel.

Whether it’s being able to make sure you can easily get to your hotel when you first arrive, find your way to the best-reviewed restaurant or plan your walking tour of a major city, having one of these prepaid sim cards will ensure that you can spend your time in the country enjoying it rather than worrying about unnecessary logistics.

Looking for a quick answer? My choice for the best SIM card for Italy is the Orange Holiday SIM with 30GB data (available as eSIM or physical SIM).

Table of Contents

SIM Card for Italy Comparison

How to purchase a prepaid sim card before travelling.

Italy is one of the most popular places to visit in all of Europe so having access to data as soon as you land makes it easier to have a seamless trip to this beautiful country.

While it certainly is possible to buy a prepaid SIM card in Italy once you arrive, you’ll typically find that the SIM cards you can purchase at an airport are often significantly more expensive than you would find elsewhere.

You can also go into a phone shop such as Vodafone once you arrive and purchase a local SIM card, however, that will take unnecessary time out of your trip and you won’t have data available when you first land which can be crucial for getting to your accommodation hassle-free.

Buying a SIM card online for Italy will ensure you have mobile data access as soon as you land and given there are several great options available that can either be shipped to your address or delivered electronically via an eSIM, there is no reason to waste time when you actually arrive in Italy.

Will Italian Prepaid SIM Cards Work in my Phone?

In order to ensure your phone will work with any Italian SIM cards you purchase, you need to ensure that your phone is unlocked and not tied to a specific provider.

This is something that is particularly important to pay attention to if you’ve recently signed a new contract with your mobile phone provider. If you’re not sure, call your mobile phone provider to see what your phone status is.

If you find that your phone is locked and you have incredibly expensive roaming charges, then you could consider buying an unlocked phone online or a mobile wifi hotspot that you can use.

Your other option is to rely on public WiFi, however, if you go down this path consider purchasing a good quality VPN such as ExpressVPN to have more security.

Best Italy SIM Cards for Travel with Data

The following are some of the best prepaid SIM cards currently available for travel in Italy to purchase before arriving.

Orange Holiday Europe with 30GB Data

Regardless of whether you’re looking for an Italian SIM card, or a SIM card for European travel , the Orange Holiday Europe with 30GB Data is one of the best options available on the market.

The large data limit will ensure that you can stay connected when sightseeing as well as have plenty of data left over to use WhatsApp or Facetime to call family or friends back home.

Along with 30GB of data that can be used in Italy or in 29 other European countries, this prepaid SIM also has unlimited calls and texts within Europe as well as allowing 2 hours of calls and 1000 SMS to your home country.

This SIM card can either be purchased as a physical SIM card or eSIM if you have a compatible phone. While the credit is only valid for 14 days, there are several top-up data plans should you be going on a longer trip to Italy.

Finally, you can also use the Orange Holiday Europe as a personal hotspot, making it one of the best options for anybody looking for an Italian SIM card who wants to work in Italy using their laptop and have a larger data usage.

Three Prepaid SIM with 12GB Data

Another great option for those looking for a combination of data and calls in Italy is the Three Prepaid SIM with 12GB Data .

Along with the 12GB data, you get 3000 minutes of calls and 3000 texts that can be used to other UK or European phone numbers. The data allowance for this SIM card also works beyond just Europe and can be used in 71 countries including in places like the USA and Australia.

If you prefer a longer data validity and aren’t fussed about having calls and texts, you can buy Three Prepaid SIM with a 1-year validity , however, it is data only. Alternatively, you can top-up the SIM card after you buy it.

The Three SIM can’t be used as a personal hotspot, but apart from that, it’s one of the best SIM cards to use in Italy if you want to have a combination of data, calls and texts.

SIM2ROAM Data SIM with 10GB Data

If you don’t need calls and texts for your time in Italy and are only looking to get a SIM card for the data allowance, then the SIM2ROAM Data SIM with 10GB Data is a great option.

Apart from the 10GB data option, you can also buy a 3GB or 6GB data SIM, with various data packages being available online to top up. It works in over 35 countries including Italy and can be used as a personal hotspot.

The setup for the SIM2ROAM Data SIM is a bit easier compared to some other SIM cards as there is no activation required. Your validity period of 30 days will simply begin when you first start using the SIM card.

Overall, this is a great option if you’re looking purely to buy an Italian SIM card for the data allowance.

Orange Holiday Zen with 12GB Data

If you’re a light data user and only want to have a SIM card in Italy for occasional use, then the Orange Holiday Zen with 12GB Data is a good option.

This SIM with give you 8GB of data in Italy that can also be used in 30 countries in Europe. You also get unlimited calls and texts within Europe as well as a small allocation of 30 minutes and 200 texts to use worldwide.

You can use this card as a personal hotspot and you have the option to purchase it as a physical SIM or an eSIM.

The Orange Holiday Zen also has multiple top-up options at an extra cost so even if you think you might be a lighter user than you end up while travelling in Italy, you should have no problem getting more credit while overseas.

Movistar Europe Prepaid with 10GB Data

The Movistar Europe SIM with 10GB data is a good option for those combining a trip to Italy with Spain.

This tourist SIM card gives you 10GB of data to use across Europe plus an additional 60GB in Spain. The extra data allowance in Spain is unparalleled compared to most other SIMs you buy online so it makes it a great deal if you’re splitting your time between these countries.

Apart from Italy and Spain , this SIM card can be used in many other countries in Europe and the UK with the notable exceptions of Switzerland and Turkey.

The Movistar Europe SIM does also give 200 minutes of calls in Spain and it can be used as a personal hotspot on your travels. The credit is valid for 28 days but there are top-up options available online.

Dataroam Prepaid SIM Card with 10GB Data

The Dataroam Prepaid SIM with 10GB data is a good no-frills choice if you’re on a short trip to Italy. It comes with 10GB of data that can be used in Italy as well as other European countries, however, there is no call or text credit included.

This SIM is also not possible to recharge so it is not recommended if you’re going on a longer trip or plan to reuse the SIM over several trips.

The Dataroam Prepaid SIM can be used as a hotspot, with the credit valid for 30 days. It also has a straightforward activation process and doesn’t require any advance registration before landing in Italy.

There is no need to wait until you arrive in Italy as you can easily get an Italian SIM card online and have data access as soon as you land or cross the border into this beautiful country!

Are you looking to purchase a SIM card to use in Italy? Have any questions about these options? Let us know in the comments below!

Related Posts:

Is Sicily Expensive? A Guide to Prices in Sicily

The Ultimate 2 to 3 Days in Lake Como Itinerary

How Many Days in Venice? Planning a 2, 3 or 4-Day Itinerary

About Michael Rozenblit

Michael is a co-founder and writer for The World Was Here First. Both solo and with his partner, Maggie, he has travelled to over 50 countries across the globe and has a particular affinity for the Balkans and Eastern Europe. He’s lived in numerous countries worldwide but currently resides in his hometown of Melbourne, Australia. Read more about Michael

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Home » Gear » Travel Sim's » Buying a Sim Card in Italy (2024 • The BEST prepaid sim cards)

Buying a Sim Card in Italy (2024 • The BEST prepaid sim cards)

Whilst it is undeniably more legendary to wing it when entering an unknown land, buying a sim card is one thing worth compromising on.

Your mum worries, man.

While emergencies are often doable these days, especially in Europe, the local sim card is especially useful in the semi-emergency situations, when you need to call a hospital, dentist, priest etc. for the little things that go wrong. Taxis too.

Which is why you are probably looking for the best sim card in Italy ! Luckily, you have come to the right place, as I am perfectly poised to deliver some of the juiciest ways to communicate right into your lap. In this guide, I’ll take you through all the options available in Italy, and hopefully help find the best piece of plastic for you.

So let’s get stuck in!

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Gigsky Europe Package

• Price > From $0!

Jetpac Italy package

• Price > From $1

SimOptions Italy

• Price > From $4.50

Sim Local Italy

• Price > From $3.70

Why Buy an Italian Sim Card?

Buying a sim card in italy – things to consider, where to buy a sim card for italy, best sim card providers in italy, what is the best sim card in italy for tourists, faqs on buying an italian sim card, final thoughts.

There’s no doubt about it – phones make our lives immeasurably easier and can help you get so much more out of visiting Italy .

Getting cosy with an Italian sim card will give you significantly better coverage and present a significantly cheaper way of accessing the internet and making local calls. While a large percentage of top tourist locations are covered by international networks, if you are say, stuck in Molize (one for the Italians there), you will really need a local sim to get you out.

If you have a European SIM card it will work in Italy. Otherwise, your native sim card  might  work. It also might not. If it does work, you may end up racking up eye-watering charges for roaming and data. You may also find yourself disastrously out of coverage or connectivity when you need it the most. 

Whilst your places to stay in Italy will probably have decent internet, you also want it to work out in the streets right?!

Getting a local sim card in Italy can avoid plenty of drama and save you a chunk of money in the end – if you follow these handy tips (like remembering your passport when you buy one).

Choosing which is the best sim for your travels in Italy will depend largely on your needs and preferences, so there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Your budget and needs will determine what’s best for you which won’t necessarily work for someone else. 

Let’s take a look at the things you’ll need to consider:

Everyone loves a deal, right? Especially when you’re travelling and potentially on a tight budget in Italy. When it comes to buying sim cards in Italy, the good news is that they’re pretty cheap – so cheap that €1 can get you 2GB of data. 

As with most things, it’s a good idea to shop around, do your research, and always read the fine print. Sometimes buying more can lead to bigger savings in the long run too. 

Some sim cards in Italy expire after a certain period. This means you can’t top up or extend them at all. Most sim cards in Italy include free EU roaming , but make sure to read the fine print here. Sometimes roaming data is capped or limited outside of Italy.

2. Mobile Data

As the number of providers grows, the more the prices of prepaid sims and data fall. In Italy, data prices are extremely reasonable.

Know how much data you’re likely to need. Like most things, it’s cheaper to buy more at a lower cost than to buy less and continuously top up. Top-ups can be costly – keep an eye out for this. 

It’s recommended that before you head off on your travels, spend some time getting to understand your average data usage. When you have a figure, add some padding – you’ll more than likely use more data on your travels than you would at home. 

3. Coverage

Spend some time researching the coverage of the various networks in the areas you’ll be visiting. Mostly, you can expect good 4G coverage, while 5G coverage in Italy is limited to the bigger cities. Vodafone and TIM have the widest 5G coverage, but it’s still very limited geographically, and the best 4G networks. 

The great news is that most tourist spots have excellent network coverage, even those off-the-beaten-track places. 

If you’re heading to Sardinia, you might want to consider a Vodafone Italy sim card for the best coverage. 

4. Bureaucracy

Getting a sim card in Italy is relatively easy to do. There’s not too much documentation required and very little red tape. You will need your passport , so make sure to have this with you. You can register up to three sim cards on one passport. 

5. Expiration

We touched on this before but check the validity of your sim as many have a set lifespan and can’t be extended past that date. Make sure you choose a sim that covers the entire duration of your stay. If you visit Italy often, you might consider an open-ended sim that doesn’t expire. 

A new country, a new contract, a new piece of plastic – booooring. Instead, buy an eSIM!

An eSIM works just like an app: you buy it, you download it, and BOOM! You’re connected the minute you land. It’s that easy.

Is your phone eSIM ready? Read about how e-Sims work or click below to see one of the top eSIM providers on the market and  ditch the plastic .

You can purchase a sim card easily from a number of places in Italy – airports, cell phone shops, and online (for multinational companies like Vodafone, but not the small, local providers).

In the Airport

Most tourists are tempted to grab a sim card at the airport and get it out of the way. While this is tempting, some sim cards will end up costing you way more at airports – for example, Milan and Venice airports are notoriously more expensive. However, when I was getting a sim in Greece I found the airport is slightly more reasonable in terms of prices. 

On the upside, purchasing a sim card at an airport can mean dealing with sales staff who speak better English – generally, Italians struggle a bit with English (as English speakers do with Italian!!!). 

The great news is that most cities and tourist destinations offer multiple options when it comes to cell phone stores. 

Purchasing a sim card online is one way to ensure that you don’t need to be dealing with admin on your holiday and you can hit the ground running, as it were. This way also allows you plenty of time to leisurely research the best option for you and make the right choice. 

Don’t forget to order with enough time for delivery before you leave.

A range of options exists to choose from when it comes to picking a sim card for Italy. You can choose local or international sim providers . Many local providers have a range of options specifically for tourists, while the bigger multinationals like Vodafone are well-represented. 

GigSky is a mobile technology firm that specialises in providing e-SIM and SIM card data services to travellers across the globe. Distinguishing itself from the majority of eSIM providers, GigSky operates as an independent Network Operator, collaborating with over 400 carriers worldwide. This unique position grants them access to an extensive network infrastructure, ensuring more reliable service and fewer outages than many competitors.

While they don’t offer local phone numbers, you can still make and receive calls via WhatsApp, Signal, Skype or whatever using the general data allowances that come as part of their eSim packages.

We have tried a LOT of different sim companies and GigSky is our top pick on account of their excellent coverage, fair prices and easy to use app. Of course, if they did offer local numbers that would be even better.

As our world gets smaller, needing an international sim while travelling becomes not just a luxury but an absolute necessity. Enter Jetpac, a game-changing travel eSIM provider promising seamless connectivity at low costs, across the globe, sign me up.

Based out of Singapore Jetpac offers packages, designed primarily for travellers and Digital Nomads. They offer various data plans that can be used across many countries, and the service includes features like free airport lounge access if your flight is delayed.

Technophobes don’t panic, if you’ve just figured out how to post an Instagram story, fear not, it’s simple and straightforward to activate a Jetpac eSIM. Users need to sign up on the Jetpac website or app, choose a plan that fits their travel needs, and then scan a QR code to install the eSIM on their device. And it gets better, Jetpac eSIMs are compatible with a range of devices, including many models from Apple, Samsung, and Google.

We love Jetpac for its ease of setup and reliable connectivity. JetPac makes it a handy tool for international travel, ensuring continuous access to mobile data across multiple destinations. While they don’t offer local numbers, we love that most of their packs last for 30 days by default so you can just concentrate on how much data you need.

Sim Options

SimOptions is a reputable global marketplace that specialises in offering high-quality prepaid eSIMs for travellers in over 200 destinations worldwide. The platform has been dedicated to providing the best possible eSIM and international sim options at the most competitive rates for travellers since 2018. They rigorously test and select eSIMs to ensure that you receive the best connectivity and service wherever you travel.

As well as effectively acting as a broker from a number of the best eSIM providers, SimOptions also offer their own eSIM products too.

Basically, SimOptions is kind of like a market comparison website for helping you find the best sim for your travels . You simply type in your destination and they bring up the different eSIM options from a wide number of prospective providers and suppliers

Irish based Sim Local specialise in providing eSIM services, primarily targeted at global travellers to help them stay connected without incurring expensive roaming charges. Based in Dublin and London, Sim Local sells local SIM cards and eSIM profiles through their retail outlets, vending machines, and online platforms.

Sim Local offers a variety of eSIM plans that can be activated instantly and are designed to provide a convenient and secure way to stay connected in numerous countries. Their services are beneficial for those who travel frequently, as they provide the option to switch between multiple eSIM profiles on a single device, depending on the user’s location and needs.

They also offer pretty comprehensive customer support and a range of payment options, including Visa, Mastercard, Apple Pay, and Google Pay, all processed securely via Stripe.

YeSim is an excellent app that connects travellers with eSim packages. YeSim do not provide network or data themselves but act as kind of a broker helping travellers to find the best and cheapest possible eSim for their trip. They provides eSIM packages for over 120 countries and for each country they cover, they offer a variety of different packages to suit all needs and budgets.

Somewhat uniquely, they also offer virtual phone numbers in many countries which makes them our top pick. They also offer a great Europe eSim package which we recommend using for Italy. Finally, you can get yourself €3 off any package by using the promo code “Backpacker” at the checkout.

Arguably one of the best prepaid sim cards in Italy for tourists. They’ve got great coverage, the biggest 5G network, and plenty of plans and packages to choose from and are really affordable. The only downside is that while you can recharge and top-up on their website, you can’t purchase a sim online. 

• 50GB and unlimited prepaid minutes and SMS

Vodafone Italy

Vodafone Italy has a prepaid sim card in Italy specifically for tourists. If you’re travelling to more countries in Europe, this is a great option without any EU data limits. Excellent coverage and easy recharge online – a simple alternative. 

• 15GB in the EU and 500 minutes within the EU
• Valid for 30 days

A merge between Wind and 3 (a UK mobile internet provider), this provider offers a wide range of prepaid sim cards in Italy. 

• Starting from 12 €
• 20GB and unlimited calls and 200 SMS

Here’s what we’re usually asked about buying a sim card in Italy.

What is the best prepaid sim card in Italy?

TIM is probably the best prepaid sim card in Italy, especially for tourists. Available as a physical sim card, there are range of great value deals to get stuck into, including cheap data plans. Head to the TIM store to get stuck into the next level of google maps, Instagram, and banking on the fly!

Is there an Italian sim card for Iphones?

Any sim card you pick up should be compatible with your Iphone. If you get a physical sim, you can usually snap it into the size you want- but make sure you don’t go too small. Some Iphones are compatible with the trendy new esim fad, but not all, so its worth checking if yours is!

Is there a good Italian sim card for travellers?

Getting hold of a vodaphone sim card will give you access to data and phone coverage all over the EU. If you want to step it up a notch, get yourself a onesim, which although might not be the cheapest, offers good rates in over 200 countries (which is insane). If you want to go local, try TIM, which gives great local deals and offers.

Where can I get a sim card in Italy?

Generally, any phone shop or tech store. You can pick a sim card up straight from the airport, but it is more expensive to do it this way. Sim cards bought from the airport are generally more expensive. Alternatively, you can buy an esim or general traveller sim card before you arrive, but these are usually slightly more expensive than getting a local sim.

Italy is an incredible year-round destination that offers everything from gastronomical delights to art and history in spades. Whether you’re planning to visit the bustling cities, quaint villages, or natural settings, make sure you’ve chosen a sim card for Italy that won’t let you down.

Want another kind of sim card? Check out the revolutionary new Nomad e-sim , an app-based sim card covering over 100 countries that can be organised before you leave home! Another option is to look at the Spanish-based HolaFly which offers similar worldwide coverage.

Was this article helpful? We love to hear from you, so please share your experiences with us in the comments below. 

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

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I purchased a 50euro SIM card for 1 month in Italy at vodaphone . I’m her for 4 months & they told me I just pay each month another 15 euro for 50g which I did . I’m now in Spain & receiving messages to say I have no gigabyte left. I phoned vodaphone & the guy I spoke to won’t phone me back. He has all my info . What can I do ? I feel they have lied to me ?

Continue to contact their support for a refund. If you still get no assistance do a charge back via your bank.

Hi, With reference to the TIM 50GB for 15 Euro per month deal you mention. The devil being in the detail, the 50GB only applies if you sign up for TIM Automatic Recharge, so having the 15 Euro paid each month, else you get a lessor 25GB. I believe this is worth highlighting!

Thanks for the detailed information. Can we simply buy a sim card in a supermarket once we arrive in northern Italy (3 zinnen) ? Ideally, a sim that will do our pending trip to Italy in Jan-Feb 2023. However in the middle of 2023 we also need one that will do Italy, France and Swiss networks for a running event. Any suggestions as to a sim that will do all three countries, but especially Italy and France ?

I am not sure about a supermarket bit here phone stores who will send you a sim. You may need a passport and you can encounter a language barrier.

Best of luck

Thanks for the summary. Here’s my question: your Vodafone listing for the tourist plan says it is easily rechargeable on line, but also that the plan lasts for 30 days. I will be in Italy for 33 days. Does that mean I need to buy a new SIM/plan on day 31, or can I recharge my original one?

You should be able to recharge your original SIM card, USUALLY it’s the credit , (data, phone calls, text) that expires after a given period. When buying you should check how long the SIM will remain active.

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Travel Europe on a Budget

The Savvy Backpacker

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Best prepaid esim for italy | data plan buyer’s guide.

A guide to finding the best prepaid eSIM data plans for visiting Italy

phones and technology

Having reliable mobile data on your phone is a must when visiting Italy. But don’t be one of the many travelers who spend a fortune using their home plan’s international data service package because buying an Italian eSIM data plan is a much cheaper option.

In this guide, I’ll cover how to find the best eSIM for Italy so you have consistent high-speed mobile data without spending a lot of money.

In A Hurry? I recommend checking out both SimOptions and Holafly for the best deals on eSIM data plans for Italy. Continue reading this article for more in-depth, specific recommendations.

Why You Should Avoid Using Your Home Plan’s International Data Plan

Your current mobile phone provider will probably have an international data plan option but these plans are expensive and the service is often slow, inconsistent, and has limited data allowances.

Many TMobile plans come with free unlimited international data plans but you’re only guaranteed 2g data speeds… which will struggle to load Google Maps or even email.

For example, If you’re American, the  AT&T International Day Pass  costs $10/day,  Verizon TravelPass  is also $10/day, and many  T-Mobile plans  offer free international roaming but you’re only guaranteed 2g data speeds… which will struggle to load Google Maps or even email. Some of these plans offer “unlimited” data but you only get 1-2GB/day of 4G data before you’re throttled down to 3G speeds. Canadian and Australian carriers probably offer similar packages.

These “international data plans” are 5X as expensive as buying an Italian eSIM data plan—for example, eSIM data plans from Orange or Holafly will cost you around $2-$3/day.

On a personal note, I use T-Mobile as my domestic carrier and I’ve personally gotten very inconsistent data speeds when using their free international data roaming plan while visiting Europe. For example, I was in Barcelona in March 2024 and about 20% of the time service was slow but somewhat usable but the other 80% of the time I couldn’t even load a simple webpage or use Google Maps. After a few days, I switched to  Holafly  and had zero problems.

For more in-depth information, check out The Savvy Backpacker’s guide on How To Use Smartphones and Data Plans In Europe and The Savvy Backpacker’s Guide To Using eSIM data plans in Europe .

Comparing The Best eSIM Data Plans for Italy

There are a handful of different mobile providers that offer eSIM data plans for Italy.

The first (and most complicated) option is to buy an eSIM/SIM data plan from one of the main Italian mobile carriers ( Wintre , TIM Italy , and Vodafone Italy ). The problem for visitors is that many of these Italian plans are intended for people who live in Italy so you either need to jump through some hoops by signing up for a long-term contract or providing a local address and Codice fiscale  (tax code).

The other option is to buy a prepaid eSIM data plan that’s geared toward short-term visitors. These plans are much more “tourist-friendly” so you don’t have to mess with registration, etc.

For this guide, I’ll focus on these “tourist-friendly” eSIM plans.

Each eSIM plan will vary slightly so it’s important to pay attention to the specific details of each plan. But here are the main things to consider:

• Data Allowance: Most plans give you a set amount of mobile data (i.e. 5GB, 10GB, 30GB, etc) but others give you unlimited data over a set amount of time (5 days, 15 days, 30 days, etc).
• Plan Length: eSIM data plans can be valid anywhere from about 5 days to 90 days. It depends on your plan so it’s something you’ll want to consider when picking a plan.
• Mobile Hot Spot Tethering: Most eSIM plans don’t allow you to use your phone as a mobile hot spot.
• NOTE: You can still use iMessage to “text” between iPhones but you can’t send messages between iPhones and Android phones. Or you can download WhatsApp to send messages over data (which is what most Europeans do).

Orange Holiday Europe eSIM (50GB): $59.90

• Price:  $59.90 (Check  SimOptions  for details)
• Data:  50GB
• Service Speed:  4G/LTE
• Calls:  Unlimited within Europe and 120 min outside of Europe.
• Texts/SMS:  Unlimited within Europe and 1000 outside of Europe.
• Credit validity:  28 day
• Data Tethering:  Allowed
• Usable on any device (phones, tablets, hotspots…)
• This eSIM plan comes with a French phone number that can still be used anywhere in Europe
• Service works everywhere in the EU

If you need a ton of mobile data, consider the newly released  Orange Holiday Europe 50GB eSIM data plan  which is a more robust version of the Orange Holiday Europe eSIM. It has 50GB of data and it’s valid for 28 days (compared to 14 days with the Orange Holiday Europe plan). This eSIM also comes with many features you don’t find with other plans—including international voice calling and texts (it gives you an actual French phone number that works anywhere in Europe).

The Orange Holiday Europe eSIM plan also allows you to use your phone as a mobile hotspot so you can put that extra data allowance to good use. Orange is also one of the largest mobile companies in Europe so you’ll always get great coverage and high data speeds.

ORANGE HOLIDAY EUROPE ESIM: $49.90

• Price:  $49.90 (Check  SimOptions  for details)
• Data:  20GB (Orange often upgrades the plan to 30GB of data)
• Credit validity:  14 day
• Data Tethering: Allowed
• This eSIM plan comes with a French phone number that can still be used in Italy

The Orange Holiday Europe eSIM data plan is the most robust eSIM plan on this list because it comes with many features you don’t find with other plans—including international voice calling and texts (it gives you an actual French phone number that will work anywhere in Europe). The Orange Holiday Europe eSIM plan also allows you to use your phone as a mobile hotspot.

You’ll get 20GB of data with this plan but Orange sometimes runs a special where they give you an extra 10GB. But even 20GB should be plenty of data for most users. Orange is also one of the largest mobile companies in Europe so you’ll always get great coverage and high data speeds.

The potential downside to the Orange Holiday Europe eSIM plan is that it’s only valid for 14 days once activated so it’s not great for longer visits (but you can always buy a second plan).

I’ve personally used the Orange Holiday Europe plan while traveling through Europe and it worked flawlessly. Read my Orange Holiday Europe review to hear more.

Bouygues My European eSIM: $44.90

Bouygues is another major French telecommunications company and they’ve recently released their own prepaid eSIM data plan to compete with the popular Orange Holiday Europe eSIM plan. I used a prepaid Bouygues SIM card on a previous trip to Europe so I’m glad they’re finally offering an eSIM.

There’s a lot to like about the Bouygues My European eSIM plan—especially since it comes standard with 30GB of data and unlimited calls/texts within Europe. I also like how this Bouygues eSIM plan is valid for 30 days so it’s a great option for longer trips.

• Price: $44.90 (Check SimOptions for details)
• Service Speed: 4G/LTE
• Calls: Unlimited within Europe
• Texts/SMS: Unlimited within Europe
• Credit validity: 30 day
• Phone Number: This eSIM card comes with a French phone number
• Coverage : Anywhere within the European Union (except Switzerland)

ORANGE HOLIDAY ZEN ESIM: $29.90

• Price:  $29.90 (Check  SimOptions  for details)
• Data:  8GB (Orange sometimes gives you 15GB of data)
• Service Speed:  4G/LTE
• Calls:  Unlimited within Europe and 30 min outside of Europe.
• Texts/SMS:  Unlimited within Europe and 200 outside of Europe.

The Orange Holiday Zen eSIM is the budget version of the Orange Holiday Europe eSIM plan. It comes with 8GB of data and has fewer voice minutes and texts, otherwise, it’s the same as the Orange Holiday Europe eSIM plan.

Most users will use more than 8GB of data while traveling for a week or two but light data users could easily use less than 8GB of data during a typical 10-14 day trip.

HOLAFLY UNLIMITED ESIM: STARTING AT $34.00

Holafly  is a new data-only eSIM provider that I previously used while visiting Italy and had a great experience using (read my  Holafly eSIM Review  to get a more in-depth look). Holafly sells both Italy-specific plans and Europe-wide data plans. Holafly isn’t an actual mobile carrier but they rent bandwidth from a local Italian mobile provider (Wind Tre) so you’re more likely to get less priority on the Wind Tre network during peak usage times.

Unlike other mobile companies, Holafly gives you unlimited data and a local phone number with 60 minutes of credit for making/receiving calls from European numbers. I also like how Holafly’s plans come in durations from 5 to 90 days—so you don’t have to over/underbuy for your particular trip.

Holafly doesn’t allow data tethering in most cases so you won’t be able to use your phone as a mobile hotspot.

Plan Specs:

• 10 Days: $34
• 15 Days: $47
• 20 Days: $54
• 30 Days: $64
• 60 Days: $84
• 90 Days: $99
• Service Speed:  5G/4G/LTE
• Calls coverage:  60 minutes of credit make calls from all of Europe—except Iceland, Norway, United Kingdom, Switzerland, Ukraine, and Turkey. Comes with an Austrian phone number.
• SMS:  None
• Tethering:  No
• Data service works everywhere in the EU

MORE TIPS ON USING YOUR MOBILE PHONE IN ITALY

I’ve written extensively about using  smartphones and data plans in Europe  as well as tips for  buying SIM Cards For Visiting Europe  but below are some more helpful tips about using your phone in Italy.

GET A PORTABLE BATTERY CHARGER

Traveling with your phone will quickly drain your batteries so I highly recommend a portable battery. I use  Anker PowerCore 10000  because it’s tiny and affordable but there are multiple options.

TAKE STEPS TO LOWER YOUR MOBILE DATA USAGE

Data can be expensive and it’s extremely easy to unknowingly burn through a lot of data because many apps use data in the background. Facebook, email, Instagram, Snapchat… those all constantly use data throughout the day without you knowing it. That’s why it’s important to know how to limit your data usage.

USE AIRPLANE MODE AND BLOCK DATA TO SPECIFIC APPS

I’ll put my phone in Airplane Mode because that disables all data (but GPS still works in Airplane Mode). You can also go into the settings and disable data access to each individual app. I’ll go in and turn every off except for things like Google Maps or others that I’ll use more frequently — this way when I turn off Airplane Mode only those apps that will use data. Then I’ll turn Airplane Mode back on when I’m done.

DOWNLOAD OFFLINE MAPS

Google Maps lets you download entire city maps so they can be used offline. As an added bonus, GPS doesn’t use data so offline Google Maps works fairly well (but not all functionality works). Here is a good  YouTube video  that explains everything.

More Italy Travel Tips From The Savvy Backpacker

Check out more of my favorite articles to help you plan your trip to Italy and the rest of Europe:

• Backpacking Europe Packing List
• Europe Packing List for Women
• The Best Travel Shoes
• The Best Travel Backpacks  and  The Best Travel Backpacks for Women
• The Savvy Backpacker Rome Travel Guide
• The Best Things to Do In Rome
• The Savvy Backpacker Cinque Terre Travel Guide
• Recent Posts
• Best Prepaid UK eSIM | Data Plan Buyer’s Guide - April 21, 2024
• How to Avoid Pickpockets in Europe — Tips for Outsmarting the Thieves - April 19, 2024
• Best Prepaid eSIM For Italy | Data Plan Buyer’s Guide - April 18, 2024

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Thanks For Reading! — James

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Best e-Sim Cards for Traveling to Italy in 2024

Are you planning to travel to Italy and looking for an e-sim card for your trip to stay connected and not waste money on high roaming charges? This is a complete guide for finding the best e-sim card for traveling to Italy in 2024.

In this guide you can find a comparison of the best e-sim cards for Italy with up to date prices as per April 2024, specifications per Italy e-sim card, my recommendation and everything you need to know about using e-sim cards for traveling in Italy.

Also find out where and when to order an e-sim card, a comparison with local prepaid sim cards and of course links to directly order your e-sim card for traveling to Italy on the internet.

Ever since 2012 I am a full time nomadic travel blogger traveling the world continuously. I constantly get to different countries and pretty much every week I need to look for a new sim card. In 2022 I visited 62 countries and in 2023 I traveled to 34 countries so imagine how many different prepaid and e-sim cards I used in the last two years.

In the past I used to buy a local prepaid sim card on arrival in every country, but nowadays I mostly use e-sim cards for staying connected when traveling abroad. 

Helping other travelers to save money while traveling the world is one of the reasons I started this travel blog. Providing essential travel tips is what made me start writing sim card guides for every country I visited and now on Traveltomtom you can already find more than 200 sim card guides from all over the world.

Of course I also wrote a complete guide for buying a prepaid sim card for Italy in 2024  including a comparison of the prepaid sim cards you can buy on arrival in Italy.

you may also like...

Traveltomtom also wrote specific guides for buying e-sim cards in: USA , Canada ,  Thailand , Germany , Spain , Greece , France , Portugal , China , Malaysia , Hong Kong , Singapore ,  Australia , Europe , Asia ,  international travel e-sims and many more. 

So next time you are planning your adventure abroad come check out Traveltomtom for the latest prepaid sim card and e-sim card advice for your holiday destination.

Let me first give you my e-sim card recommendation and a comparison of all the e-sim card plans for Italy with up to date prices as per April 2024. Then I will explain you how e-sim cards work, more about the network coverage and 4G/5G network, some FAQ about e-sim cards, the difference between e-sim cards and local prepaid sim cards and everything else you need to know.

My recommendation

Traveltomtom rates the following e-sim cards as the best e-sim cards for traveling to Italy in 2024:

1. My European eSIM from Bouygues Telecom - $44.90 USD

• 30 GB data in all of Europe
• Unlimited calling/texting in all of Europe
• Valid for 30 days
• $1.5 USD per Gigabyte

You can order this Bouygues Telecom e-sim card via SimOptions .

2. Nomad 20 GB data-only - $33 USD

• 20 GB data-only e-sim
• Valid in Italy only
• $1.65 USD per Gigabyte

3. Airalo 20 GB data-only - $33 USD

The Nomad and Airalo e-sim cards for Italy are data-only and do not support calls and sms and does not come with a phone number.

My first preference for an Italy e-sim card would be the Bouygues Telecom e-sim card. This e-sim card comes with unlimited calls in Europe and free EU data roaming.

There are 2 very important things to check before ordering an e-sim card for Italy or in general before using an e-sim card.

Unlocked phones only

Make sure your phone is unlocked. E-sim cards only work in unlocked phones. If you are not sure if your phone is unlocked then contact your mobile internet provider in your home country. 

In general phones from Europe, Asia and the Middle East tend to be unlocked. Phones from North America are often locked.

If your smartphone is locked that means it does not allow another prepaid sim card or e-sim card to operate in the device. You can easily unlock your phone, but depending on your mobile internet provider you will be charged a fee for unlocking your phone.

E-sim compatible phones only

Second, and equally important: a-sim cards only work if your smartphone supports e-sim cards, also called e-sim compatible. All newer smartphones support e-sim cards. If you are not sure if your phone is e-sim compatible then simply go to Google and type in your mobile phone model in the search bar and ask if it is e-sim compatible. You will get the answer instantly. 

If your phone is NOT e-sim compatible then there is no other solution and you can NOT use an e-sim card for traveling to Italy.

However, you can still order a sim card for Italy on the internet before your trip. Check out Traveltomtom’s complete guide for buying a sim card for Italy in 2024  or find out everything about international prepaid sim cards for traveling abroad  and how to order them.

Comparison of the best Italy e-sim cards

There are multiple website on the internet that sell e-sim cards for Italy. Traveltomtom recommends ordering an e-sim card for traveling in Italy from one of the well-known e-sim card providers that have proven to be reliable operators.

These are the 3 big e-sim card providers and they sell great Italy e-sim card plans:

Nowadays, you can buy an e-sim card for pretty much every country around the world. Order directly from one of the above e-sim card providers and instantly receive your e-sim card in your email. But before you buy an e-sim card first read all my tips below.

SimOptions also offers international prepaid sim cards for Italy . These are pre-activated physical prepaid sim cards and will be delivered to your home address before your trip to Italy and it is plug and play when you arrive in Italy. 

Airalo and Nomad only sell e-sim cards for Italy.

SimOptions is a very reliable e-sim card provider and Traveltomtom has used SimOptions uncountable times in more than 50 countries around the world. I can totally recommend using SimOptions for ordering your Italy e-sim card.

Here are the SimOptions data-only e-sim card plans for Italy for 2024:

• 1 GB data for 7 days = $4.90 USD
• 3 GB data for 15 days = $9.90 USD

Click here to order a SimOptions e-sim card for Italy .

These data-only e-sim cards are provided by SimOptions. Unfortunately they don’t specify which mobile network operator in Italy they use, neither is there information if these e-sim cards are 5G ready. Trust me, when they would be 5G ready they would mention it, so these the max data speed on these Italy e-sim cards from SimOptions is 4G/LTE. 

The SimOptions e-sim cards for Italy do NOT come with a phone number and they do not offer any incoming/outgoing calls or sms. The validity of these e-sim cards is 1 year and the credit validity starts instantly after installing the e-sim card, even if you are not in Italy.

SimOptions also offers international e-sim cards for traveling to Italy.

• 15 GB data + unlimited calls in Europe for 15 days = $21.90 USD
• 10 GB data (5G ready) + $2 calling credit for 30 days = $24.90 USD
• 12 GB data + 30 minutes international calls + unlimited calls in Europe for 14 days = $29.90 USD
• 30 GB data + unlimited calls in Europe for 30 days = $44.90 USD
• 30 GB data + 120 minutes international calls + unlimited calls in Europe for 14 days = $49.90 USD
• 50 GB data (5G ready) + 120 minutes international calls + unlimited calls in Europe for 28 days = $59.90 USD

Click here for more info or to order an international e-sim card for Italy via SimOptions .

These e-sim cards are valid all over Europe and include free EU-roaming and some are even 5G ready!

The best thing about these e-sim cards for Italy is that they also include calling and texting. Some support 5G, others only 4G/LTE. These international e-sim cards for Italy are also valid for 1 year, but the the credit validity starts only when the e-sim card connects the first time to a supported network. So you can instal the e-sim card even when you are not in Europe yet. For more info check the SimOptions website .

Traveltomtom also wrote a complete guide for the best prepaid and e-sim cards for traveling to Europe in 2024  with more info about EU roaming and where to order a sim card for traveling in Europe.

Airalo is another very reputable e-sim card provider that is very much recommended by Traveltomtom. Ordering your e-sim card for Italy through Airalo is done fast and easy. Traveltomtom has used Airalo uncountable times for staying connected when traveling abroad. Very reliable, never an issue and often some of the cheapest e-sim card deals.

Why using Airalo? I found out that Airalo has sometimes cheaper e-sim card deals compared to SimOptions. 

Especially if you only use a little bit of data while traveling and need just 1 or 2 GB data to stay in touch through WhatsApp, check your email sometimes and get directions from Google Maps, Airalo is a great e-sim card for traveling in Italy.

Here are Italy e-sim card plans for 2024 from Airalo:

• 1 GB data for 7 days = $4.5 USD
• 2 GB data for 15 days = $8 USD
• 3 GB data for 30 days = $10 USD
• 5 GB data for 30 days = $14.5 USD
• 10 GB data for 30 days = $24 USD
• 20 GB data for 30 days = $33 USD

Click here to order an e-sim card for Italy from Airalo .

Definitely check out Airalo as they often have ongoing promotions and recently offered 50% off their Italy e-sim card plans.

The above Mamma Mia e-sim cards for Italy operate on the Wind Tre, TIM and Vodafone 4G/LTE network in Italy. Unfortunately the Airalo e-sim cards for Italy are not 5G ready.

The Mamma Mia e-sims are data-only sim cards without a phone number, so any phone/sms service is NOT supported. An Airalo e-sim card has to be installed within 1 month and after activation the credit validity starts when it connects the first time to a supported network. For more info check out the Airalo website .

Another trusted and reviewed e-sim provider is Nomad and they sometimes have amazing e-sim card deals. Traveltomtom has used Nomad e-sims in more than 10 countries around the world.

When looking for the best e-sim card plans for Italy Traveltomtom found out that Nomad has very competitive e-sim card plans. Here are the Nomad e-sim card plans for Italy in 2024:

• 1 GB data for 30 days = $5 USD
• 3 GB data for 30 days = $8 USD
• 5 GB data for 15 days = $14 USD
• 10 GB data for 30 days = $19 USD
• 15 GB data for 30 days = $27 USD

Click here to order an e-sim card for Italy from Nomad .

The Nomad e-sim cards for Italy are either from TIM, Wind or Iliad. The TIM and Wind plans are only 4G/LTE, but the Iliad e-sim cards are 5G ready.

The Nomad Italy e-sim cards have to be installed on your phone within 30 and after installation its validity starts when it connects for the first time to a supported network in Italy. Basically when the plane lands. For more info check the Nomad website .

Why did Traveltomtom already used more than 100s of e-sim cards? Since I travel full time and I am on the road constantly I use about 30 - 40 different sim cards per year.

Traveltomtom is on the road to 197, meaning I would like to travel to every country in the world . As of April 2024 I have visited more than 155 countries, still more than 40 to go! 

What is the cheapest e-sim card for Italy?

The cheapest e-sim card for Italy is an Airalo e-sim card plan with 1 GB data for 7 days for just $4.5 USD.

If you just want to keep in touch through WhatsApp, get directions from Google Maps and don't use high data volume consuming apps like Instagram, YouTube, TikTok and Facebook much 1 GB data could last for a week.

Why ordering an e-sim card for traveling in Italy

E-sim cards are the easiest way to stay connected when traveling to Italy in 2024 and you can arrange everything online in just a couple clicks. No more visiting a sim card shop and swapping physical sim cards. Order online, scan the QR code, follow the steps and you are connected in less than 2 minutes.

The most important reason to get an e-sim card is because we would like to stay connected on our trip to Italy without wasting money on high roaming costs. Our smartphones are pretty useless without a working data connection. Think about ordering a taxi through an app (Uber is Grab in Italy), finding nearby friends, restaurants, bars. Get directions from Google Maps or simply stay in touch with family back home, check out social media apps on long bus rides or check your banking apps when paying contactless.

One of the best things about arriving in Italy with an activated e-sim card is that you are online as soon as the plane lands and you connect to a network. More about when to instal your e-sim card later.

There are so many reasons to stay connected when traveling to Italy, but the most important reason is that it makes your trip to Italy so much more convenient and fun!

At the same time we don’t want to waste money on high roaming charges. Many mobile internet operators still charge $2 USD per MB for data roaming, that means just opening the Instagram app will already cost you 25 MB * $2 USD = $50 USD! Not kidding… it still is very common in 2024.

E-sim cards are the easiest way to avoid high roaming charges.

International Data Roaming plans

So what about overseas data roaming plans? Well, not recommended! Why? Did you read the small letters at what data speed you can use data roaming? Pretty much all mobile internet operators limit the data speed for overseas data roaming plans, which means you end up with 3G data speed, but there is 4G/LTE and even 5G in Italy everywhere!

Uncountable times (mostly American) travel friends asked me: “can I use your hotspot? My data roaming plan is so slow, it is barely working!” Trust me, get yourself an e-sim card or if your phone is not e-sim compatible check out my article about everything you need to know about buying an international prepaid sim card for traveling abroad in 2024 .

Where to buy an e-sim card for Italy? 

You can only buy an e-sim card for Italy on the internet through an e-sim card provider. There are multiple e-sim card providers for Italy. Traveltomtom compared 6 e-sim card providers and concluded that the above mentioned ones are the best e-sim card providers for traveling to Italy in 2024. 

On arrival in Italy

When you arrive in Italy and you want to buy an e-sim card for tourists then you will have to go to an official retail store of an internet provider. How to locate the nearest one to you hotel? Use Google Maps. Not all providers in Italy offer e-sim cards for tourists. Most tourist sim card plans are only available as a physical sim card, some stores/operators provide e-sim cards for tourists.

For the best prepaid sim card for tourists in Italy in 2024  click on the link to read my complete guide and comparison of all the mobile internet providers in Italy, including a comparison of the 4G/5G network. 

How to activate an e-sim card

Installing and activating an e-sim card is made as simple as possible. Everyone can activate an e-sim card and the instructions on how to are very detailed and will be send to you instantly by email.

When you order an e-sim card plan for Italy you instantly receive a summery of your order including a QR-code after the payment is processed. 

You will see a summary of your e-sim card order including a QR code on your screen and at the same time you will also receive an email with the same QR code. The email contains instructions on how to instal and activate your Italy e-sim card.

But installing an activating an e-sim card is as easy as scanning the QR code with the same phone where you want to activate the e-sim card on. The QR contains all the information about your Italy e-sim card.

Once you scan the code you will be guided through a couple simple steps and within less than 1 minute your e-sim card is successfully installed. Very important is that you are connected to the internet when installing your e-sim card otherwise you will get an error and issues can occur.

Tip: if you order an e-sim card with the same phone where you want to instal the e-sim card on then ask a friend or someone nearby to take a photo of the QR code and then you scan the QR code from his/her phone and start the installation.

When to oder an e-sim card for your trip to Italy?

You can order an e-sim card for Italy pretty much any time you want. Most e-sim cards have to be installed on a phone within 1 month after purchasing, some even within 1 year, so you have time.

More important therefore is when do you instal/activate the e-sim card. The validity of some e-sims start straight after the installation, other e-sim cards only start their validity when they connect the first time to a supported network.

Traveltomtom advices to instal your e-sim card on the day of departure to Italy. Or if you want to maximise your validity then activate your Italy e-sim card on arrival after you connect to the free WiFi of the airport on arrival in Italy. All international airports in Italy have free public WiFi.

Things to know before ordering an e-sim card for Italy

Here are some general tips for using e-sim cards when traveling abroad. These tips do not only apply for Italy e-sim cards, but are things you have to know before buying an e-sim card in general.

Make sure your phone is unlocked

To make sure you didn’t miss this, let me say this again: e-sim cards only work in UNLOCKED phones. If your phone is unlocked then you can use any e-sim card without any problems.

If your phone is locked then ask your mobile internet provider from your home country to unlock your phone before your trip to Italy. It is likely that your mobile internet provider will charge you a fee for unlocking your smartphone.

If you are unable to unlock your phone you can look into getting a pocket WiFi for staying connected when traveling to Italy or bring a second unlocked phone on your trip to Italy and use it as a portable WiFi device. 

Which smartphones support e-sim cards?

Another very important thing you have to check before buying an e-sim card is if your smartphone supports e-sim cards. If you have any of the latest mobile phones then there is no need to worry, all new smartphones support e-sim cards. 

The fastest way to find out if your phone is e-sim compatible is by asking Google the question: is my (your phone model) e-sim compatible? Simple as that!

Can I trust these e-sim card providers?

All the e-sim card providers for Italy recommended above (SimOptions, Airalo and Nomad) are reputable e-sim card providers reviewed and tested by Traveltomtom. All of them are licensed third party companies and resellers that partner or work directly with the mobile internet providers in Italy.

Traveltomtom has successfully partnered for several consecutive years with SimOptions and Airalo. Nomad is a fairly new partner of Traveltomtom, but has so far proven to be a reliable e-sim card provider. All e-sim card providers have their own Helpdesk which you can contact may you encounter any problems or in case you want to claim a refund.

Traveltomtom does NOT sell Italy e-sim cards, only RECOMMENDS you to use e-sim cards for traveling to Italy.

Can I keep my phone number from home with an e-sim card?

Yes, you can and this is for many people a reason to order an e-sim card to stay connected when traveling to Italy. An e-sim card can be used next to your physical or e-sim card from your home country at the same time. You do not need a dual-sim phone for using an e-sim card.

So you can have multiple e-sim cards installed on your phone? Yes, no problem at all!

For example: you can turn off the mobile data from your sim card from home but still use it for texting and calling. Italy e-sim card you can be used at the same time just for data to ensure you are not wasting money on high roaming costs. 

If your Italy e-sim card also allows you to make phone calls and you want to make a local call in Italy, you simply switch between the sim cards and make a local phone call with your Italy e-sim card.

Switching between physical and e-sim cards is a matter of turning them on/off in the settings.

Can I make phone calls with an Italy e-sim card?

This depends on the type of e-sim card that you order. Only the international e-sim cards for Italy from SimOptions offer calling and texting. All the Italy e-sim cards from Nomad and Airalo are data-only.

If you are looking for sim cards for traveling in Europe then check out my list of the best prepaid and e-sim cards for Europe in 2024 .

Does an Italy e-sim card come with a phone number?

This also depends on the type of e-sim card that you buy. E-sims that support calls and sms they come with a phone number. All the Airalo and Nomad e-sim cards for Italy are data-only and do not come with a phone number. The international e-sim cards from SimOptions all come with a phone number. That means these international e-sim cards support incoming and outgoing calls/sms.

In the above Italy e-sim card comparison you can find all the specifications per e-sim card.

Can I use 5G on an Italy e-sim card?

Yes, some of the Italy e-sim cards are 5G ready, but only some of the international e-sim cards sold by SimOptions. On all other Italy e-sim cards the max data speed is 4G/LTE.

In fact SimOptions offers an amazing e-sim card deal for Italy that supports 5G.

Orange Holiday Europe with 50 GB data for 28 days and unlimited calling and texting for $59.90 USD .

This e-sim card is valid in all of Europe and therefore also rated as one of the best sim cards for traveling to Europe .

Are there e-sim cards for Italy with unlimited data?

None of the by Traveltomtom recommended Italy e-sim cards for tourists include unlimited data.

Even if you would come across e-sim card providers that offer e-sim cards for Italy with unlimited data then make sure the unlimited data is on max data speed. Mostly the data speed is capped after you used X amount of Gigabytes.

Holafly is an e-sim card provider that sells e-sim cards with unlimited data, but does NOT specify what is the exact so-called Fair Use Policy (FUP).

Traveltomtom does NOT recommend Italy e-sim cards with unlimited data plans. There are always restrictions. And on Holafly sim cards I experienced a reduce in data speed after using more than 2 GB per day. When I contacted support they explained me that I had to wait for 24 hours until my data speed was restored to normal. 

Those 24 hours were a nightmare as my data speed was barely enough to use WhatsApp. Social media apps were not even loading!

Again, Traveltomtom does NOT recommend e-sim cards for Italy with unlimited data. But if you think you will never use more than 2 GB per day, then this might be your favorite e-sim card. But ask yourself what is then the point of having an e-sim card with 'unlimited' data!

There are a lot of different specifications per e-sim card. Another reason why I advice you to take a close look at my comparison of the best e-sim cards for traveling to Italy in 2024 before choosing your favorite. 

Best way to stay connected when traveling to Italy

E-sim cards are the easiest and fastest way to get data on your phone when traveling to Italy, but are they also the best way to stay connected when traveling to Italy?

There are 3 ways to stay connected when traveling to Italy:

Local prepaid sim cards

International prepaid sim cards, e-sim cards.

Let’s compare e-sim cards, local prepaid sim cards and international prepaid sim cards for you to make understand what is your preferred way to stay connected.

If you use a lot of data then local prepaid sim cards are probably a cheaper way to stay connected, depending on the length of your trip. Local prepaid sim cards in Italy offer bigger data plans than e-sim cards for Italy. However, local prepaid sim cards can only be purchased on arrival in Italy.

If this sounds like something you want then be prepared to find a sim card store on arrival because buying a sim card for Italy on an international airport is very overpriced or often not even possible.

On Traveltomtom you can also find sim card guides for: Milan Malpensa Airport , Venice Airport and Rome Airport . Unfortunately at none of these airports they offer e-sim cards, only physical sim cards.

More info about the best Italy sim cards for tourists can be found in my complete guide for buying a tourist sim card for Italy in 2024 .

The advantage of local prepaid sim cards is that you buy them directly from the mobile internet provider. You get the cheapest prices, unlimited local calls & sms included, the biggest data packages and the fastest data speed. Local prepaid sim cards for tourists in Italy all offer 5G data speed.

If your smartphone is not e-sim compatible you need to buy a physical sim card for Italy. There are multiple international prepaid sim cards that you can buy on the internet before your trip to Italy.

A pre-activated physical sim card will be delivered to your home address before your trip. You put this physical sim card in your phone and as soon as the plane touches the ground and the sim card connects to a supported network you are online. Plug and play!

Click here to order an international prepaid sim card for Italy directly online .

The advantage of an international prepaid sim card is that it often includes calling and texting. E-sim cards are mostly data-only sim cards. 

There are two different e-sim cards:

• E-sim cards that you buy on the internet through a third party
• E-sim cards that you buy in Italy in a mobile internet provider store

The big difference is that e-sim cards provided by the local internet operators in Italy: Iliad, Vodafone, Wind Tre and TIM can only be purchased at one of their phone stores around Italy. 

As said before, as per April 2024, not all mobile internet providers offer e-sim cards for tourists. Mostly only physical prepaid sim cards are available. It is a hit or miss per provider per store. I have been in Vodafone stores in Rome where they said no e-sims for tourists and a Vodafone store in Milan that said yes they offer e-sim cards for tourists.

E-sim cards vs. local prepaid sim cards

Getting an e-sim card for Italy on the internet is the easiest way to stay connected when traveling to Italy, no doubt! You arrange everything online within just a couple click. Right here, right now and you are all set for your trip to Italy. You arrive prepared and there is no need to visit a sim card shop. As soon as the plane lands, you are online.

But what is cheaper? An e-sim card or a local prepaid sim card for tourists? When we compare Italy e-sim card prices with local prepaid sim cards for Italy Traveltomtom comes to the conclusion that in fact e-sim cards for Italy are better value for money.

On Italy e-sim cards you get more data for the same price. However, if you want a sim card for traveling in Italy with unlimited data or you want a sim card that includes calling and texting in Italy then buying a local prepaid sim card in Italy is a better deal.

After a long flight you just want to go to your hotel and it is often a big task to go to a sim card store and get connected. And you also want to avoid the crazy tourist prices for sim cards at airports in Italy.

Therefore a lot of travelers simply get an e-sim card for Italy. Faster, easier and less stress!

Another difference between a local prepaid sim card and an e-sim card is that e-sim cards are often through a third party, a so called MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator). These MVNO’s operate on the network of one of the main mobile internet operators and basically buy bandwidth. 

This may sound a little bit too technical, but what it means is that e-sim cards through an MVNO are the last ones in line when the line is busy. Especially during peak times, the performance of an e-sim cards is less compared to a local prepaid sim card from a mobile internet operator.

Bottomline: the data speed of e-sim cards can be less compared to a local prepaid sim card.

I am sure some of the above tips for finding an e-sim card for your trip to Italy were helpful. I hope that after reading through my comparison of the best e-sim cards for Italy it was easier to make a decision and order your e-sim card right away.

If you still have any questions then please leave me a comment below or reach out to me on social media and I am more than happy to help you out.

Curious what it looks like trying to visit every country in the world ? Go check out my Instagram account @traveltomtom and follow along. As of April 2024 I have visited more than 155 countries, so still a long way to go.

Enjoy your trip to Italy!

Some links in this article about the best e-sim cards for Italy are affiliate links. If you buy any product after clicking on an affiliate link I will earn a small commission. Don’t worry this is at absolutely no extra cost to you!

Italy travel requirements 2024: What travelers need to know

We aim to keep this post updated about Italy travel in 2024 with official Italy travel restrictions, requirements, and health and safety guidance. Our goal is to help you make informed decisions so you can travel confidently, safely, and responsibly in this new post-pandemic world of ours.

Italy has a special place in our hearts, and we finally returned in Fall 2022.

As restrictions vary based on the traveler’s citizenship, we will focus primarily on rules affecting U.S. citizens.

Last update: January 28, 2024. Originally published: July 2020.

* Get our free Post-Pandemic Travel Checklist *  

Photo credit: Annalisa, Rome January 2024: “Tourism in Italy right now is flourishing, and although it is low season, there is a considerable amount of travelers both in art cities such as Rome, Florence, and Venice, and in small villages. In tourist spots such as museums and archaeological areas there are no restrictions of any kind, except in cases of overbooking such as for the Colosseum in Rome, so I recommend booking tickets at least two months in advance. The business of restaurants, hotels, and vacation homes is normal and busy. Access to health care takes place as usual, with regular and free access to checkups and treatment through hospital emergency rooms for Italian residents and nonresidents. As for Covid tests, although they are not required by any tourist facility, they can be done in all Italian pharmacies for a cost of €10-15.” -Annalisa of Rome Travelogues , Resident of Italy

At the end of the post, we share on-the-ground perspectives from local residents and travelers to Italy so you’ll get a true sense of what to expect.

Table of Contents

Can US citizens travel to Italy? Can I travel to Italy right now?

Italy is open to all travelers, including US citizens who are traveling for tourism.

As of June 2022 , all travelers, including US citizens are no longer required to show a vaccination, recovery, or test certificate upon arrival to Italy. All travelers can enter Italy without quarantine.

Most Italy travel restrictions have been lifted as of May 1 for activities inside the country. See regional restrictions here and regional zone classifications  here .

Visitors from over 60  visa-exempt countries , including the U.S., will soon be required to have a European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) travel authorization to enter Italy and other European countries . The start date has been delayed from 2024 to 2025. 

See details about ETIAS here

Quarantine rules in Italy: What happens if I get Covid?

Travelers are not required to quarantine upon arrival in Italy.

For those who test positive for Covid while in Italy, self-isolation for five days or until testing negative, followed by masking up to 10 days, was the latest requirement. More recently, locals report that quarantine is no longer being enforced.

Italy Green Pass Requirements to Enter Restaurants, Attractions and Large Events 

You might be wondering: Do I need a vaccine certificate or Covid test to enter restaurants and attractions in Italy?

Italy’s green pass (basic or super green pass) is no longer required to access restaurants, businesses, public transport, or participate in certain activities.

However, the Super Green Pass is still temporarily required for anyone age 12 and older to access hospitals or care homes.

Can Americans travel to Italy in April 2024? Can US citizens travel to Italy this Spring?

Travel to Italy in April is open . Read on for details and check back for updates.

What is it like to fly to Italy FCO or CIA Rome International Airport right now? In Rome, body temperature checks through thermo scanners may be taken at the entrance of the airports. The airports sanitize their spaces daily. 

For travelers entering Italy from other countries, check with your airline about current mask requirements on board.

Do Americans have to quarantine when traveling to Italy?  Quarantine is not required upon arrival.

See details above.

Does Italy check COVID-19 symptoms of incoming travelers? Body temperature may be scanned in the airports for inbound and outbound travelers. 

Does Italy require a negative Covid 19 test for American travelers? A negative Covid test is no longer required to enter Italy.

Does Italy require a proof of Coronavirus vaccine for American travelers? Proof of Coronavirus vaccine is no longer required to enter Italy.

Do I still need to provide a negative Covid test or quarantine if I have been vaccinated? Neither proof of vaccination, negative test, nor quarantine are required to travel to Italy. 

Is a booster shot required for travel to Italy? A booster shot is no longer required to enter Italy.

However, a booster shot is needed for the US vaccination card to be considered a valid Green Pass to enter healthcare settings while in Italy. See Green Pass Requirements above.

What Covid testing options are available for travelers in Italy? PCR and antigen tests are available for U.S. citizens and visitors in Italy. Antigen tests cost approximately 20-30 euros while PCR tests can cost around 70.

Individuals in Italy can get a Covid test from the following:

• Government-approved testing labs
• Testing facilities with English-speaking doctors in Italy
• On-site testing facilities at international airports in Italy, such as Milan, Rome Fiumicino, Cagliari, Florence, Malpensa, Bari, Venice,  Pisa, and others.
• Private testing labs and pharmacies in Italy

What healthcare options are available to travelers in Italy who get the virus? Tourists and visitors may access Italian health care and emergency services by paying out of pocket or with privately purchased travelers’ insurance. Tourists can also contact the Italian Covid hotline at 1500 (free toll number).

For travel insurance that covers Covid, check out Nomad Insurance by Safety Wing >

What service businesses and restaurants are open in Italy? Bars, restaurants and all other establishments are open. Both indoor and outdoor dining are allowed.

Are face masks required in Italy? As of October 2022, wearing of masks in Italy is no longer mandatory except in healthcare settings. 

Are buses and trains running in Italy? Public transportation is available throughout Italy at normal capacity. Masks are no longer required on buses, trains, etc.

Will Italy impose new Covid restrictions? What’s next is difficult to predict. Historically, most countries impose COVID-19 restrictions when strains on the health care system might become unsustainable.

How has the Coronavirus impacted Italy?

Italy was the first country in Europe affected by COVID-19 and was hit hard by the outbreak, requiring strict lock downs. Another large spike in cases occurred at the end of October 2020. A nationwide state of emergency continued through 2022. 

Italy’s economy, which includes a large tourism sector, has faced its deepest recession in history. More than 200,000 tourism-related jobs were discontinued in Italy by the end of 2021– accounting for a massive shortage of workers in the country. 

In May 2021, Italy formally opened its borders to international travelers from select countries to revive tourism. In June, Italy eased its restrictions for international travelers, then tightened somewhat due to the Delta variant and Omicron variant.

Italy’s state of emergency ended on March 31, 2022. 

Italy obtains its vaccines via an EU procurement program. On December 27, 2020, Italy vaccinated the first residents against COVID-19. Currently, three quarters of Italians are fully vaccinated.

For the current situation in Italy – including how bad is covid in Italy today, total COVID-19 positive cases; daily number of cases in Italy; and COVID-19 recovery rates in Italy, please see the statistics here .

What should you pack for safely traveling in Italy?

😷 Face Masks – Face coverings are recommended in public spaces and required in healthcare settings. Find N95 masks at Bona Fide > or designer options at Vida >

💊 Medicine – Bring enough prescription and over-the-counter medication for your entire trip to avoid trips to the clinic.

💳 Vaccine Card Holder – Protect that paper CDC card when traveling abroad (if your country doesn’t offer a digital version). Get a simple plastic protector > or Vegan leather clippable > or Leather passport + card combo holder >

👃 Covid self-test – The most studied rapid antigen self-test with FDA emergency authorization.  NOT valid to enter countries. Use for your own peace of mind. Order from CVS > or Walmart >

💧 Sealed water bottle – Make sure your reusable water bottle has a lid that’s not exposed to the air. We use one of each of the following: Shop insulated water bottles with protective lid > Shop water bottles with purification filter and protective lid >

✈️ Travel insurance that covers Covid – We’ve started using Nomad Insurance by Safety Wing for affordable evacuation, international medical, and trip coverage.

What do Italian locals and recent travelers say about visiting Italy now?

What is it like to visit Italy right now? It’s our goal to provide regular updates here from real people on the ground, to help potential visitors know what to expect.

The following are subjective opinions only. Official travel guidance can be found above.

October 2023 – Louisa Loring of EatingAroundItaly , resident of Italy:  “Expect to come to Italy and travel as freely as before the COVID pandemic. Currently, there are no laws or recommendations for masking, social distancing or public gatherings. Today, all historic monuments are open as usual without restrictions.

There is no requirement for those who show symptoms. The Italian public healthcare system has removed its state of emergency and it’s easy to access the emergency room.. Private healthcare facilities are free to test patients if they choose too.

Since COVID, there has been an enormous increase in pre-bookings for museums in Italy. Although not all museums require that you pre-book, most people do and it can save you a lot of time waiting in line. Most museums have an easy and hassle free online booking system with paperless tickets.”

September 2023 – Linda of insieme-piemonte.com , resident of Italy:  “Italy has, especially in summer, many crowded places. However, beautiful Piedmont, in the northwest of the country, remains a hidden gem: cheap, hospitable and visited by Italians at most in high season.

At the moment, Covid is no longer an issue. There are no restrictions or protective measures. During the pandemic, however, very strict rules prevailed throughout the country, including house arrest for several weeks.”

June 2023 – Natalie Deduck of Best of Turin , visitor: “My husband and I come to Turin to stay a month and later travel to other destinations in Italy.  

The main tourist destinations such as Rome, Amalfi Coast, Florence, and Milan are receiving a tremendous influx of tourists this Spring and Summer. We are glad that we choose Turin for our longer stay. It is an incredible destination but not as famous as the other places, so here we can enjoy all the best of Italy without hassling with crowds.

Since I landed in Italy, I didn’t see any advice or signals about Covid measures or how to behave in public spaces. No one wears masks, and businesses are open as usual, including bars, restaurants, clubs, museums, and open-air markets.

Everything is pretty much back to normal. My husband and I lived in Turin in 2019 and 2020 during the pandemic. We experienced Italy in its worst moment, and it’s so good and heartwarming to see life back to what it was before the pandemic.”

January 2023 – Zoe of Together In Switzerland, EU visitor: “For our visit to Como, Italy for 2023, the location was pretty busy and lively. All shops and restaurants are open and seemed like a good mix of locals and tourists.

It’s not mandatory, but many do choose to wear a mask such as on the local bus or when in the main shopping area. There were absolutely no checks during our whole visit in Como, however you do see that local stores do still have a those plastic protection areas at the cashier tills and hand sanitizers is available at entrances. We personally didn’t see many people using these and no minimum space was needed. The only crowded area we encountered was for a busy local restaurant that everyone wanted to eat at.”

October 18 2022 -Michelle, Intentional Travelers: “Italy’s tourism feels back in full force and daily life has resumed as normal. Some people wear masks in grocery stores, trains, or other public areas but not many. On the train back to Rome airport, we saw staff sanitizing handrails in all the train cars. Lines at FCO airport seemed typical, and we passed through check-in, security and customs relatively quickly (25 minutes) on a weekday morning. We didn’t have to show any Covid documents, only passports.”

September 2022 – Michelle, Intentional Travelers:  “We flew into Florence, Italy and took trains through Tuscany in September. To enter Italy, we only needed our passports. Air Dolomiti airlines required masks on the flight.

The Florence airport tram into town had signs that masks were required but maybe 50% of people were masked. Around Florence, it is as busy as ever and highly recommended to make reservations for big attractions in advance. Masks were still required on the regional trains in Italy, enforced by staff and audio announcements. Otherwise, tourism does seem back to normal.”

June 3, 2022 – S.M, American digital nomad – “I flew today to Rome from Croatia. They didn’t ask for anything covid related. No test or vax cards. But we had to wear N95 mask on the plane, that’s it.”

May 2022 – Lyndsay at thepurposelylost.com : “I’ve been living in Italy and exploring the country for six months now, and the past few days were the busiest I’ve seen the cities! As the weather gets warmer, we’re expecting an uptick in tourism, which is definitely what I’ve encountered so far. Tourists are eager to experience la dolce vita again!

Although you don’t need to wear a mask walking around outside, masks are still required on public transportation like busses, metros, and trains, and highly encouraged for all inside spaces like restaurants and shops. You’ll even find a mix of people wearing masks at public outdoor events.”

March 24, 2022 – Heather American/Italian dual citizen:  “I flew into Rome and then proceeded to take several trains and a bus to get to a tiny village in Abruzzo where I will be living for the next five months. Masks are required inside all buildings, and most buildings have signs indicating you need to show a Super Green Pass for entrance. Trains and buses did check for my Super Green Pass and my CDC card showing my booster was accepted readily.

Italians are still taking things pretty serious, regarding masks, etc.”

March 2, 2022 – Sarah Wilson of Life Part 2 and Beyond , British visitor:  “I’m in Florence for 10 days learning Italian. I was surprised how many tourists were here over the weekend. Queues were long to many of the major sites. They do check your Green Pass every time you enter a tourist attraction, and restaurant. Some shops also insist on seeing your Green Pass but not all. Masks are being worn inside but not needed outdoors. 

There are plenty of pharmacies, many offer COVID testing or the rapid antigen tests. All the pharmacists in a city like Florence speak great English. To reduce waiting in line, I recommend booking attraction tickets online in advance.”

Candice of Mom in Italy , Permanent Resident: “It’s a nice time to visit because you can visit places like the center of Florence and its museums without any crowds.

We’ve also been visiting smaller villages like Pienza, Montepulciano, and San Gimignano, but they’re a little too empty. Almost all shops and restaurants are closed, due to the lack of local visitors. For anyone thinking of coming to Italy right now, I’d stick to the bigger cities, where you’re guaranteed to find things open and still full of Italian ‘vita.’

Throughout the entire pandemic, I’ve been impressed by the cooperation of Italians. People here wear masks when/where required and for the most part, respect the rules. Visitors need to follow the rules too – for example, if you don’t have the Green Pass here, you can’t sit down in an indoor restaurant. Owners don’t distinguish between locals and tourists – everyone has to have their Green Pass scanned or checked.

It’s easy to get tested in Italy – there are private clinics and you can also get tested in pharmacies. You can also get English translations easily. It’s not a great time to come to Italy if you aren’t vaccinated (or have proof of recovery from COVID within the last 6 months). Pretty much anything you’d want to do as a tourist right now requires the Green Pass.

We haven’t found any long lines or crowds, although I expect there will be an influx of visitors in the spring because Italy’s precautions help make it a less risky destination and people are ready to come back to Italia!”

January 2022 – Claudia of Strictly Rome , Italian resident:  “All attractions and places of interest for tourists are currently open in Italy. Visits to restaurants typically start with the staff coming to the table to check your “green pass” (the Italian vaccination card). Much like locals, tourists are required to show proof of vaccination or of having recovered from Covid to access attractions, restaurants, hotels and transport – including trains and local / city buses. Everyone in Italy follows the rules, wearing masks wherever required and showing their vaccination card to access public places, restaurants, attractions, transportation and the like. Antigen tests are available at any pharmacy, best if upon booking and depending on the city and region in Italy there may be a line to get tested. Access to health care remains free for everyone on Italian territory, including visitors. You will be significantly better off making restaurant reservations as with Covid restrictions and social distancing availability for tables in popular tourist destinations may be limited.”

December 2021 – Or of My Path in the World , Israeli traveler:   “I flew to Turin for a one week leisure trip in December 2021. I felt very safe in Turin as everything was well organized and it seemed like the locals were determined to live “normally” again. Everyone follows the current restrictions, and some people even wear masks outdoors though it’s not mandatory. You can’t enter a museum or a restaurant without your Green Pass being scanned (unless you’re sitting outside), and some attractions require a reservation in advance because you need to pick a specific timeslot for your visit. There are quite a few places for covid tests, and a PCR test for your flight back home will cost you about 70 Euros.”

November 30, 2021 – Morgan Fielder, Crave the Planet , E.U. expat: “It’s so great and easy to get reservations at awesome restaurants with fewer tourists. The airports in Italy have gotten more efficient and travel has been extremely easy since August if you are vaccinated and keeping your mask on appropriately. Yes, people follow the rules. Access is good to hospitals and if there’s any hint of problems, then businesses and events have gone to only letting in vaccinated or recovered people. Contract tracing is done via app when you go inside a venue or restaurant.”

September 20, 2021 – Sarah Wilson , British expat in Malta:  “I was in northern Italy at the beginning of September for two weeks and now I’m in Sicily until the end of the month. The locals are very welcoming. It’s been a tough time for many businesses in Italy, so they are very happy to receive tourists. I literally had Rome to myself, so if you enjoy travelling without the crowds, now is the time to visit. To enter any restaurant, museum or tourist site, you do have to show your vaccine certificate. Some places like the restaurants in Lake Como also asked for your name and phone number. Masks are worn on all public transport and indoors and majority comply. Sicily has recently turned yellow which means masks are supposed to be worn indoors and outdoors – very few wear them outdoors – it’s too hot.”

August 2021 – Abigail, American traveler : “I went to Italy for a weekend. I felt safe and all of the stores were open. There was a green pass that people used to dine indoors, however since I’m a US Citizen I did not have one. Instead I showed my vaccination card, and it was asked for at every establishment. They did not ask for the Covid pass for public transport for Venice or Milan during my stay. For sit down restaurants, they wouldn’t let you in the door if you could not show vaccination. I did see a lot of seats for outdoor dining everywhere I went though.”

August 2021 – Caroline A., South African/Italian visitor: “My husband, 7 year old son, 4 year old daughter and I are in Rome for three months for an adventure as we have dual citizenship. Tourists are very much welcome in Rome at the moment although museums are requiring the green pass to enter. Since we are not vaccinated, we have been getting tested for entering museums, which lasts 48 hours. Testing is widely accessible. Most attractions are open for visits with covid protocols in place. There is a festive mood in the air as many people take their vacation over this time. It is wonderful not to have to wear a mask outside.”

July 2021 – Kathryn, American Traveler: “I flew from Spain to Naples, Italy and stayed 2 days in Positano, 2 days in Sorrento, and 4 days in Rome. The locals were happy to have patrons in their cafes and restaurants. We had several people tell us how happy they are to see return of tourism. All public transportation was running as it would pre-pandemic (masks always required). We took planes, trains, taxis, boats and buses with no restrictions. Some restaurants required you to write down name, phone number, country of origin for contact tracing. Otherwise, no restrictions for outdoor dining and tables were quite close to each other as you would typically experience in Europe. Indoor dining often had more space between tables to allow for social distancing. In Rome, there were quite a few walk-up COVID testing tents throughout the city to use if needed. Rome sights were much less crowded than what I’ve experienced past summers. All major tourist sites were open. They offered both advance tickets and walk-up (usually wouldn’t be possible due to large numbers of tourists in the summer, but with less tourists this year it was possible to purchase day-of tickets). They had temperature checks at most major sites and required masks if indoors.”

June 2021 – Alexander and Cynthia, Travel your Memories , Dutch visitors: “We flew to Rome and visited for 4 days. After Rome we travelled to Florence for 2 days. Because you can do many activities outside, Italy is prefect to travel to at the moment. The population pays very close attention to the guidelines of COVID. All sights have been adjusted accordingly. Only a maximum number of people are allowed in the shops (depending on the size). If you get cold symptoms, you can go to a test street. For major sights it is important to book your ticket in advance because you have to fix a time slot.”

May 2021 – Sarah, Benvenuti Arts, American: “I have a visa as I’m here to teach at a University, and traveling into Italy felt joyful! The crew on the flight were so happy to see us all, and there were only about 30 passengers on the plane. The customs officials were very nice and the people doing COVID-testing in the airport were very friendly.  While the rules, as read, seemed more strict than the US, I’m noticing people’s interpretation of those rules is just as scattered as in my country. I happened to arrive right when they reopened after the Easter lockdown, and people seem to be thrilled to be outside. We wear masks in all public areas, and there is no indoor dining, so in general it feels safe. But I am finding myself a bit overwhelmed by crowded areas, like places where students hang out. That’ll take some time to get used to again! I would say, if someone is traveling soon, be respectful and be overprepared. Rules were changing weekly in the lead up to my visit, so I have so much documentation printed that I haven’t needed. Everything takes a bit more preparation than you might be used to in Italy, too. Some restaurants require reservations. Museums are open, but with timed, pre-reserved tickets. There is no indoor dining. There’s a curfew. I am usually loose with my planning when I travel, but am doing more of it just because it’s required. But the food is amazing, the people are lovely, and the city is beautiful, so even with some adaptations, it’s amazing to be here!”

April 2021 – Chicca, Cooking in Tuscany , Italian resident: “We have been living a lockdown life since October – I have to say we’ve got so use to it. But just these days our prime minister has announced to relax some of the strict coronavirus measures starting April 26. The vaccination plans are rolling out quite consistently to have the majority of the population vaccinated by this summer. I read here and there that maybe borders will be opening first to Europeans and then to Americans. We don’t know when but, yes, I start dreaming of having visitors again.”

January 2021 – Clotilde, A Princess Travelling with Twins , Italian living abroad:  “I flew to Rome, with my husband and our twins over the Christmas period for 10 days to visit family.  People working in the tourist sector are really welcoming and try their best to respect, and make customer respect, the rules and regulations. They have been suffering a lot from the lack of tourists and all the imposed restrictions, so they are happy to see tourists coming back but other people are more cautious. News of the new variants of the virus have particularly made people more alert. The biggest issue when travelling to Italy right now is the rules change really quickly, the country can ban specific countries without warning as happened over Christmas with people coming from the UK. On top of that, each Italian region is defined by a colour depending on the level of the infection rate. This reflects also in services opening times that change unexpectedly and often forget to update their websites or search engines. For example you could be stranded at the airport wondering what to do as the rental car office where you booked your vehicle has closed and the curfew time is approaching, as happened to us! “

September 2020. Rebecca Ann Hughes, journalist – permanent resident of Venice:  “Tourist numbers in Italy have been low all summer. For those who come to visit, they are seeing popular tourist destinations as never before, but many businesses are struggling. Locals whose work is fed by tourism are eager to welcome back visitors but many of them, along with those who do not work in the tourism sector, are pushing for a change in tourism. Particularly in Venice, they want visitors who travel “slow”, who are respectful, and who interact with the community. This includes following COVID regulations imposed by local councils and the government. Recently, a tourist on a vaporetto (waterbus) in Venice refused to wear a mask, angering locals and causing a fight to break out. Visitors should be well prepared to follow the regulations in Italy, even if they differ from their home country.

Most tourist attractions, public transport, restaurants, bars and other amenities are open and functioning as normal, albeit with social distancing rules and the obligation to wear a mask. It is possible that some tourist attractions will require advanced booking and may have longer queues if the venue is taking temperatures upon entry. Visitors may often have their temperature taken when entering a restaurant. When entering a building or getting on public transport, use hand sanitiser if it is provided. Testing booths have been set up in many airports and visitors can download a contact tracing app for Italy.”

Planning a trip to Italy?

Check out our other Italy travel resources: – Self Guided Walking Tour of Florence – Lucca Day Trip Guide & Walking Tour – A Guide to Tuscany’s Etruscan Coast – Cooking in Tuscany Classes – Hiking Cinque Terre Itinerary – Packing List for Europe in Fall/Winter – 7 Hidden Gem Towns on Tuscany’s Coast – Best Beaches in Tuscany Italy – Tuscany Castles to Rent or Visit – Why Visit Italy in September

If you have questions or updates about travel to Italy during the Coronavirus crisis or post-pandemic, please let us know in the comments below.

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Disclaimer: Please note, travel restrictions change frequently. Readers must take responsibility for verifying information through official sources like the State Department and CDC, in respect to their specific situations. No responsibility can be accepted by Intentional Travelers for action or inaction as a result of information provided through IntentionalTravelers.com. Any information provided here is issued as general information only.

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32 Comments

Very useful information, thank you, I will be staying in Sicily for 10 days this July!

Hi! Great info! Is it safe traveling to Italy now from the US because of Ukrania- Russia conflict? Thanks!

Thanks, Wilda. We have a good friend in Tuscany who tells us there is no concern about safety in Italy currently, however, prices and availability of some products/delivery is being significantly affected. We recently sent out a Europe update to newsletter subscribers with the following: “If you have plans to travel to Europe, you may be wondering if it’s still safe. Right now airspace over Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania and Moldova are on the EASA risk list [CNN]. But most of Western Europe is hundreds of miles from the conflict, and experts are saying there’s no need to cancel trips [AFAR].” We are planning to travel to Italy ourselves in September-October. Of course, as with Covid, each of us have to make our own assessment based on the level of risk we’re willing to accept when we travel.

Is there a current ban on US citizens (vaccinated or not) traveling to Italy?

Why are US citizens not allowed to travel to Italy at this time as you stated below. I copied and pasted from your article…. Can Americans travel to Italy in January 2022? Can US citizens travel to Italy this Winter? Travel to Italy in January is now allowed for US citizens visiting for any reason, including tourism. Read on for details and check back for updates.

Hi Jamie. I think perhaps you have misread “is NOW” as “is not”? I’ll reword it to prevent future confusion. As you’ll find throughout the rest of our post, Italy IS open to Americans under certain protocols. Thanks for visiting.

Hi Michelle, thank you for making this information easy to digest. I’m unclear on the “green pass” and “super green pass”.

– Green pass: proof of vaccination – so our white vaccination cards work – correct? And no proof of booster is required?

– Super Green Pass: unclear here.

Also, is the “health declaration form” and the “dPLF” form the same? If not, are both needed?

I plan to visit Italy starting late Feb – Mar ‘22 and am now wondering if I should push this to June. With it all changing so fast, maybe I’m being overly-cautious?

Kate, I’m glad you’ve found our post helpful. Whether pushing the trip back to June will make much difference is hard to say. I’ve shared a bit about my philosophy on canceling/rescheduling trips here .

Some of the green pass rules are quite new and it is admittedly confusing. Also it may change again by March! Firstly, yes, your white CDC vaccination card will work as your pass, as long as the latest vaccination date qualifies.

There is now a time limit on vaccination for the Green Passes (though not for entry into the country). At the moment, this means that if your last Covid shot was more than 9 months ago, you would need a Covid test within 48 hours before checking into accommodations or taking public transit. Starting February 1st, a booster shot will be needed for persons who have been fully vaccinated for more than 6 months. As I read it, if your last Covid shot is more than 9 months old, then you would not be allowed to do the activities under the Super Green Pass like indoor dining, museums, or spas without a booster. Again, there is not a lot of detail available about how this works practically yet.

Sorry for the confusion about the forms – the self-certification health form I think might be an old term so I’ll update that in our post. The dPLF digital Passenger Locator Form is what is now required before travel.

Hi there and thank you for your lovely blog. I am traveling to Italy in February, and my second vaccine dose would be older than 6 months, and not able to get a third dose before arrival. Does than mean that I won’t have a green pass and need to undergo a pcr to enter some places?

Auba, thank you for your question. We were surprised by this restriction. It’s all quite new so how this works out practically may change, but I read it as you do. To confirm, I also found this: “All arrivals to Italy with vaccinations considered as expired by Italian standards (see line above) are required to do Rapid COVID-19 tests (available in local pharmacies and test centres) to obtain a Green Pass, which will be valid for 48 hours. The test provider will print your test results and will email you a unique code. You will then need to access the Government website (in Italian) and enter your details. Select the option ‘Utente senza tessera sanitaria’ (‘User without a health card’). You will be prompted to enter the type and number of the ID you showed when you got your test, as well as the code on your test certificate. Click ‘Ricupera certificazione’ (‘Get certificate’) to download your digital test result. You will need to continue with this process for the duration of your stay to enable travel within Italy and to access hospitality and leisure venues including bars, restaurants, museums, exhibitions, sporting events, fairs, civil or religious ceremonies and large events.”

Nice post! I recently applied for an Italy Visa but was sceptical about the travel restrictions imposed by Italian authorities. So, I started searching for some answers and that is how I came across your informative article. It talks about all the important details that a first-time Italian traveller like me should know. Do share such informative blogs about other countries and any possible restrictions that they are imposing. It might come in handy for a lot of tourists who want to get out of their homes after a long season of the pandemic.

Thanks for a great info. Did they ask the covid pass in the public transport? I read that in intercity trains require at least but would like to know the reality. And if Unvaccinated customers can enter an establishment to buy food, but they are not allowed to eat indoors, are there many restaurants with outdoor areas that can be used without the passport? Thanks a lot

Thanks for your questions. The green pass is required in Italy for domestic planes, ferries, inter-regional trains and long-distance buses. For public transit within a city like buses and metros, there are capacity controls and masks required but not the green pass. Taxi drivers do not check for the green pass. Yes, many restaurants in Italy have outdoor seating. We’ll do our best to gather more testimonials about what this looks like on the ground to update our post in the future.

Trying very hard to find out exactly what happens and what options are available to you should you happen to test COVID positive before your flight back to USA. Especially now that fully vaccinated folks are testing positive. Please advise as soon as possible. Thank you!!

Hi and thanks for visiting our blog. According to the CDC website , “People should self-isolate and delay their travel if symptoms develop or a pre-departure test result is positive until they have recovered from COVID-19. Airlines must refuse to board anyone who does not present a negative test result for COVID-19 or documentation of recovery.” So options are pretty limited at the moment if you test positive before returning to the U.S., and I haven’t heard whether that will be reevaluated any time soon.

Hi Michelle! I am a US citizen and I planned for an Italian trip Sept 3-15. Today is the first day i see about the quarantine requirement lift being ended on August 30. Does this mean August 30 they may decide to implement the quarantine period again? Do you think I will be able to do my trip or will it depend on how the Italian government reacts to this upcoming month? Thank you!

Kim, thanks for visiting our blog. The requirements may not necessarily be lifted but rather *reevaluated* at the end of August. It’s not possible to predict what the decision will be at this time. I’m sure Italy wants to keep tourism open and has new protocols like the Green Pass in place to do so more safely, but each country has to weigh that against health and hospitalization risks. For vaccinated travelers, being able to travel is more likely this Fall but nothing’s guaranteed as things continue to change quickly with this delta variant. I know the uncertainty is difficult, which I wrote about in our recent post here: https://intentionaltravelers.com/should-i-reschedule-my-trip/

Hi Michelle! Thank you so much for the reply, we knew there would be a risk to canceling the trip and we are very understanding and flexible. I just hope that we know in advance enough to not give our hopes up. We are vaccinated so hopefully if they restrict anything it’s unvaccinated folks. I’ll keep an eye out for updates!

We are having a lay over at Heathrow Airport. My interpretation of the Covid rules say we will have to quarantine in Venice for 5 days. Is there a “safe zone” in Heathrow that will allow us to enter Venice when we arrive. We are both vaccinated and have digital copies of our CDC vaccine card.

Thanks for visiting our blog, David. It is my understanding that a layover in the UK would mean you’d need to quarantine for five days in Italy, even if you’re only transiting through the airport unfortunately. I have seen reports of recent travelers rerouting flights to avoid the UK for this reason. It appears the requirement is to be in place through August 30, so if you travel after that, it’s possible the rule could change but there are no guarantees.

Hi. I am traveling to Italy in 3 weeks. Where can i get a negative covid test for my re entry to the US. Pharmacy?? Thanks.

Ciao Gianna. Please see the section in our post labeled “What Covid testing options are available for travelers returning to the U.S.?” for these details.

Great blog We’re travelling to Northern Italy in September and supposed to go to a outdoor concert in Marostica. Do you know if there is any plans to cancel outdoor gatherings? Thanks

Hello and thanks for visiting our blog. It’s still too early to know what restrictions might be in place in which regions come September, but we will be sure to update this post as the situation changes. If the concert takes place as scheduled, you’ll likely need a “green certificate” to attend.

How as an American travelers do I obtain a Green Pass?

Thanks for your question. We were actually just in process of updating this post with new information! More details may be forthcoming but it appears that Americans will be able to show a hard copy of their vaccination card, official proof of recovery, or a negative test result taken within 48 hours in place of the digital pass. We’ll be sure to update our information here as more details become available.

Is colosseum ticket free on the first Sunday of every month after pandemic?

That is a good question. We have covered the free first Sunday opportunity previously on our blog, however, the colosseum now follows a different schedule. Entrance is free on select dates throughout the year, however, I have not been able to find a list of those dates for 2021. I would expect that might be published in a bit further in the future.

News all say US travelers can present CDC vaccination card to skip testing. Not true? June 30 2021

Hi Jiang. Thank you for visiting our blog. That information is correct. A CDC vaccination card can be used by US travelers to obtain a “Green Pass”. US travelers with a “Green Pass” are no longer required to undergo testing or quarantine in Italy.

Excellent info!

Thank you for visiting the blog. Safe travels.

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Update April 12, 2024

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Travel Advisory July 26, 2023

Italy - level 2: exercise increased caution.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Exercise increased caution due to terrorism .

Country Summary: Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Italy. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, local government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting and cultural events, educational institutions, airports, and other public areas.

Read the  country information page for additional information on travel to Italy.

If you decide to travel to Italy:

• Be aware of your surroundings when traveling to tourist locations and crowded public venues.
• Follow the instructions of local authorities.
• Monitor local media for breaking events and adjust your plans based on new information.
• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  ( STEP ) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter .
• Review the  Country Security Report  for Italy.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist.

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Six months validity recommended, at least 3 months validity beyond your planned date of departure from the Schengen area .

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Not required for stays under 90 days.

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Embassies and Consulates

U.S. Embassy Rome

Via Vittorio Veneto, 121 00187 Rome, Italy Telephone:  +(39) 06-4674-1 Emergency After-Hours Telephone:  +(39) 06-4674-1 Fax:  +(39) 06-4674-2244 Email:   [email protected] The Rome consular district includes the regions of Lazio, Marche, Umbria, Abruzzo, and Sardinia.

U.S. Mission to the UN Agencies in Rome Via Boncompagni, 2 Telephone:  (+39) 06-4674-1 Emergency after-hours telephone:  (+39) 06-4674-1 Fax:  (+39) 06 4674-3535 Email:   [email protected]

U.S. Embassy to the Holy See Via Sallustiana, 49 00162 Rome, Italy Telephone:  +(39) 06-4674-3428 Emergency After-Hours Telephone:  +(39) 06-4674-1 Fax:  +(39) 06-575-8346

U.S. Consulate General Florence Lungarno Amerigo Vespucci, 38 50123 Florence, Italy Telephone:  +(39) 055-266-951 Emergency After-Hours Telephone:  +(39) 055-266-951 Fax:  +(39) 055-215-550 Email:   [email protected] The Florence consular district includes the regions of Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna (all except the Provinces of Piacenza and Parma), as well as the Republic of San Marino.

U.S. Consulate General Milan Via Principe Amedeo 2/10 20121 Milano, Italy Telephone:  +(39) 02-290-351 Emergency After-Hours Telephone:  +(39) 02-290-351 Fax:  +(39) 081-583-8275 Email:   [email protected] The Milan consular district includes the regions of Valle D'Aosta, Piemonte, Lombardia, Veneto, Trentino-Alto Adige, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Liguria, and Emilia-Romagna (Provinces of Piacenza and Parma only).

U.S. Consulate General Naples Piazza della Repubblica 80122 Naples, Italy Telephone:  +(39) 081-583-8111 Emergency After-Hours Telephone:  +(39) 081-583-8111 Fax:  +(39) 081-583-8275 Email:  [email protected] The Naples consular district includes the regions of Campania, Molise, Basilicata, Puglia, Calabria, and Sicilia.

U.S. Consular Agent - Genoa Via Dante 2 16121 Genoa, Italy Telephone:  +(39) 010-584-492 Emergency After-Hours Telephone:  Please contact the U.S. Consulate General in Milan. Fax:  +(39) 010-553-3033 Email:  [email protected] Hours: Monday through Thursday 11:00 AM-3:00 PM, by appointment only.

U.S. Consular Agent - Palermo Via G.B. Vaccarini 1 90143 Palermo, Italy Telephone:  +(39) 091-305-857 Emergency After-Hours Telephone:  Please contact the U.S. Consulate General in Naples Fax:  +(39) 091-625-6026 Email:   [email protected] Hours: Monday through Friday 9:00 AM-12:30 PM by appointment only.

U.S. Consular Agent - Venice Viale Galileo Galilei 30 30173 Tessera, Italy Telephone:  +(39) 041-541-5944 Emergency After-Hours Telephone:  Please contact the U.S. Consulate General in Milan. Fax:  +(39) 041-541-6654 Email:  [email protected] Hours: Monday through Thursday, 10:00 AM-4:00 PM, by appointment only.

Destination Description

Learn about the U.S. relationship to countries around the world.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

There are no COVID-related entry requirements for U.S. citizens.  

Traveling Through Europe:  If you are planning to visit or travel through European countries, you should be familiar with the requirements of the Schengen Agreement. 

• Your passport must be valid for  at least three months beyond the period of stay. Review our  U.S. Travelers in Europe page .
• You will need  proof of  s ufficient funds  and a  return plane ticket .
• For additional information about visas for the Schengen area, see the  Schengen Visa page.
• U.S. citizens who arrive at an Italian Port of Entry without a valid travel document – including passports that have been previously reported lost or stolen – will be denied admittance into Italy and returned to their point of origin. This regulation is strictly enforced in Italy.
• U.S. citizens may enter Italy for up to 90 days for tourist or business purposes without a visa. All non-residents are required to complete a declaration of presence (dichiarazione di presenza). Prospective residents or anyone intending to stay in Italy for longer than 90 days must obtain a  permit of stay  (permesso di soggiorno). Additional information may be obtained from the  Ministry of Foreign Affairs  and the  Polizia di Stato .
• Non-EU visitors must obtain a stamp in their passport upon initial entry into a Schengen country. Many borders are unstaffed, so you may need to request a stamp at an official point of entry. Travelers arriving from another Schengen country must request the declaration of presence form from a local police office (commissariato di zona), police headquarters (questura), or their place of stay (e.g., hotel, hostel, campgrounds), and submit the form, along with a copy of your passport, to the police or to their place of stay within eight calendar days of arrival. Failure to complete a declaration of presence is punishable by expulsion from Italy.

The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Italy.

Find information on  dual nationality ,  prevention of international child abduction , and  customs regulations  on our websites. For general information about Italian customs regulations, please read our  Customs Information page and our  Italian Customs  website.

Safety and Security

Terrorism:  Terrorist groups and those inspired by such organizations are intent on attacking U.S. citizens abroad. Terrorists are increasingly using less sophisticated methods of attack – including knives, firearms, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and vehicles – to more effectively target crowds. Frequently, their aim is unprotected or vulnerable targets, such as:

• High-profile public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.)
• Hotels, clubs, and restaurants frequented by tourists
• Places of worship
• Shopping malls and markets
• Public transportation systems (including subways, buses, trains, and commercial flights)

For more information, see our  Terrorism  page.

Politically motivated violence in Italy is most often connected to Italian internal developments or social issues. Italian authorities and foreign diplomatic facilities have found bombs outside public buildings, have received bomb threats, and have been targets of letter bombs, firebombs and Molotov cocktails in the past several years. These attacks generally occur at night, and although they have not targeted or injured U.S. citizens, you should remain aware of your surroundings and report any suspicious activity to local authorities.

Crime:  Italy has a moderate rate of crime, especially for theft and economic crimes; violent crimes are rare. U.S. citizens should be aware of the following local circumstances:

• Tourists can be fined or detained for buying counterfeit goods (usually fashion accessories).
• Travelers must purchase train, bus, or metro tickets and validate them by punching them in validating machines prior to boarding (usually near the entrance of the train or metro or on the bus). Tickets may be purchased at tobacco stores or kiosks or, in some cities, via Apps or SMS. Failure to follow this procedure may result in an on-the-spot fine by an inspector on the train, bus, or metro. If the violator does not pay the fine on the spot, it will automatically double and be forwarded to the violator’s home address.
• Be alert that many municipalities of cities in Italy have issued local restrictions banning certain activities in fountains or on monuments, such as eating, drinking, sitting, or bathing, as well as regarding the consumption of alcohol both indoors and outdoors after certain hours of the night.
• Violating these regulations can result in fines. Tourists are advised to check the official website of each city they plan to visit to learn the details.
• Thieves sometimes impersonate police officers. If you are stopped by a plainclothes policeman, ask for a uniformed officer or insist on seeing an officer's identification card (documento). Do not hand over your wallet and immediately report the incident to the actual police at a police station or by dialing 112 from a local phone.
• Do not leave bags unattended. Most reported thefts occur at crowded tourist sites, at airports, car rental agencies, on public buses, metros and trains, and at the major railway stations. Never leave baggage alone in a car, including in a closed trunk. For more information on trains and security, please see the  Italian railway police’s advice for travelers .
• Be alert to criminal schemes. Organized groups of thieves and pickpockets operate at major tourist destinations, in train stations, bars, and cafes. Some travelers have reported incidents in which criminals used drugs to assault or rob them. Thieves on motor scooters regularly snatch purses or bags off pedestrians. Resisting these thieves can be dangerous.
• Keep your car doors locked and windows rolled up at all times to avoid car-jackings and thefts while you are waiting in traffic.

The U.S. Secret Service in Rome is assisting Italian law enforcement authorities in investigating an increase in the appearance of ATM skimming devices. Here are some helpful hints to protect against and identify skimming devices:

• Use ATMs located in well-lit public areas or secured inside a bank/business.
• Cover the keypad with one hand as you enter your PIN.
• Look for gaps, tampered appearance, or other irregularities between the metal faceplate of the ATM and the card reader.
• Avoid card readers that are not flush with the face of the ATM.
• Closely monitor your account statements for unauthorized transactions.

Potential for Natural Disasters: Several major earthquake fault lines cross Italy, and earthquakes are frequent. High tides in Venice, flooding, and avalanches in mountainous areas may occasionally occur. The Italian Civil Protection agency has a robust capability to assist Italians and foreigners in the area of a natural disaster. Information about crisis preparedness and on-going crises affecting parts of Italy can be found on the Civil Protection web site at:  Civil Protection Italy . General information about disaster preparedness is also available online from the  U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency  (FEMA). Detailed information on Italy's fault lines is available from the  U.S. Geological Survey  (USGS).

Italy also has several active volcanoes, including Mt. Etna in eastern Sicily. Travelers to Sicily should be aware of the possibility for travel disruptions, including airport closures, in the event of volcanic activity, and are advised to check the website of the  Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia  for detailed information and daily updates. Italy has many other areas of potential volcanic activity especially in the vicinity of Naples. Any visit to an active volcano or volcanic field bears a certain amount of risk. Eruptions can occur with little to no warning. Travelers should exercise caution, follow posted instructions, stay on authorized trails, and use reputable tour operators.

Demonstrations  occur frequently and can be anti-American in nature, especially in areas hosting U.S. military bases. They may take place in response to political or economic issues, on politically significant holidays, and during international events. 

• Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly become violent. 
• Avoid areas around protests and demonstrations. 
• Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.
• Security Messages for U.S. citizens pertaining to  demonstrations  can be found on the Embassy’s website.

International Financial Scams:  See the  Department of State  and the  FBI  pages for information.

Internet romance and financial scams are prevalent in Italy. Scams are often initiated through Internet postings/profiles or by unsolicited emails and letters. Scammers almost always pose as U.S. citizens who have no one else to turn to for help. Common scams include:

• Romance/Online dating
• Money transfers
• Lucrative sales
• Contracts with promises of large commissions
• Grandparent/Relative targeting
• Free Trip/Luggage
• Inheritance notices
• Work permits/job offers

Victims of Crime:  U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault should seek medical attention at the nearest public hospital as soon as possible. U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are also encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy for assistance at +(39) 06-4674-1. Report crimes to the local police by dialing 112. Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes.

See our webpage on  help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

• Help you find appropriate medical care
• Assist you in reporting a crime to the police
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent
• Explain the local criminal justice process in general terms
• Provide a list of local English-speaking attorneys
• Provide information on  victim’s compensation programs in the United States
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution
• Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home
• Replace a stolen or lost passport

Victim Compensation in Italy :

• Italy has a program which provides financial compensation for victims of terrorism, organized crime, hit and run drivers and violent intentional crimes.
• If you are a  victim of terrorism or organized crime  in Italy, you are entitled to economic (special compensation and a life income) and non-economic benefits (special access to certain state jobs).
• In case of death, victims will include family members. You must file the application with the local Prefect’s office (Prefettura - the local representative for the Ministry of Interior) where the crime occurred, providing the date, location, injuries, and losses resulting from the crime.
• If you are a  victim of a hit and run driver,  you can apply for compensation of damages to the Fondo Di Garanzia per le Vittime della Strada but only if: (i) the responsible vehicle cannot be identified, is not covered by car insurance, or it circulated against the owner’s will; (ii) if the car insurance company went bankrupt; or (iii) if the accident was caused by a foreign vehicle with a license number that does not match or does not match anymore that same vehicle. U.S. citizens should consult an attorney licensed to practice in Italy to clarify time limits for a specific legal action.

Victims of hit and run drivers and their families may seek assistance by reaching out to an Italian non-governmental organization (NGO) called Associazione Italiana Familiari e Vittime della Strada (AIFVS), “Association of Italian Family Members and Victims of Hit and Run Drivers”. AIFVS provides legal and psychological assistance through a network of professionals associated with the NGO. Please visit  AIFVS  for more details.

If you are a  victim of a violent intentional crime,  you are entitled to compensation from the Italian government to cover the medical and welfare expenses you incurred, except for sexual assaults and murders cases where the compensation is due even if no medical and welfare expense was sustained. To be eligible for the compensation, your annual income must be within a certain limit. In addition, you must prove that you have already unsuccessfully tried to enforce the decision ordering compensation for damages. We recommend you contact an attorney licensed to practice in Italy for more information.

Domestic Violence:  U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the Embassy or nearest Consulate for assistance.

Tourism:  The tourism industry is generally regulated and rules with regard to best practices and safety inspections are regularly enforced. Hazardous areas/activities are identified with appropriate signage and professional staff is typically on hand in support of organized activities. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is widely available throughout the country. Outside of a major metropolitan center, it may take more time for first responders and medical professionals to stabilize a patient and provide life-saving assistance. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance . 

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Your U.S. passport will not prevent you from being detained, arrested, or prosecuted. Individuals establishing a business or practicing a profession that requires additional permits or licensing should seek information from the competent local authorities, prior to practicing or operating a business.

Furthermore, some crimes are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on  crimes against minors abroad  and the  Department of Justice  website.

Arrest Notification:  If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy or nearest Consulate immediately. See our  webpage  for further information.

Counterfeit and Pirated Goods:  Although counterfeit and pirated goods are prevalent in many countries, they may still be illegal according to local laws. You may also pay fines or have to give them up if you bring them back to the United States. See the  U.S. Department of Justice website  for more information.

Faith-Based Travelers:  See our following webpages for details:

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Report  – see country reports
• Human Rights Report  – see country reports
• Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers
• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

LGBTQI+ RIGHTS:  There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGBTQI+ events in Italy. Same sex civil unions are legally recognized in Italy. See our  LGBTQI+ Travel Information  page and section 6 of the  Department of State's Human Rights report  for further details.

Travelers Who Require Accessibility Assistance .  The law in Italy prohibits discrimination against persons with physical, sensory, intellectual or mental disabilities, and the law is enforced. Social acceptance of persons with disabilities in public is as prevalent as in the United States. The most common types of accessibility may include accessible facilities, information, and communication/access to services/ease of movement or access. Expect accessibility to be limited in public transportation, lodging, communication/information, and general infrastructure, and common in lodging and general infrastructure. There is a significant difference between the main cities and the small towns.

• Rental, repair, replacement parts for aids/equipment/devices, or service providers, such as sign language interpreters or personal assistants, are generally available. Contact the US Embassy in Italy to receive a list of providers.
• Hand-controlled rental cars are available in Italy from major car rental companies. Contact the car rental company well in advance of your trip in order to reserve the vehicle.
• Italy functions on 220-volt current. To recharge a power wheelchair, you may need a transformer to convert 220 to 110 volts and a plug adapter to fit Italian electrical sockets.
• Guide dog owners must present  the documentation required by European Union Member States in order to enter Italy with a dog .

Students:  Students are often targeted by criminals as targets of theft or sexual assault. See our  Students Abroad  page and  FBI travel tips .

SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES:  Strikes and other work stoppages  frequently occur in the transportation sector (national airlines, airports, trains, and bus lines); reconfirm any domestic and/or international flight reservations if you are traveling during one of these events.

Women Travelers:  If you are a woman traveling abroad, please review our travel tips for  Women Travelers .

For emergency services in Italy, dial 112 .

Ambulance services are widely available, but training and availability of emergency responders may be below U.S. standards.

Medical facilities are available but may be limited outside urban areas. Public hospitals may not maintain the same standards as hospitals in the United States. It is not possible to obtain an itemized hospital bill from public hospitals, as required by many U.S. insurance companies, because the Italian National Health Service charges one inclusive rate for care services and room and board. Private hospitals require you to pay for all services up front and get reimbursed later from your insurance company.

We do not pay medical bills . Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas.

Medical Insurance:  Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See our  webpage  for more information on insurance coverage overseas. Visit the  U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas.

We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.

In Italy, end-of-life directives are not legal. Tourists should know that by law, hospitals will continue with lifesaving procedures indefinitely regardless of a person’ preferences stated in a will or advanced directive.

Pharmaceuticals:  The Italian Ministry of Health sets rules defining who and how prescriptions and medications can be imported into Italy. However, the Ministry of Health website does not have information in English. According to the Ministry of Health, foreigners entering Italy are allowed to bring personal medications for a period of 30 days, but it is recommended that travelers also bring a copy of their prescription with them. Travelers should not bring excess supplies of prescription drugs into the country and cannot bring prescription drugs for other people.

The import of medications into Italy by courier services or by mail is strictly regulated by Italian Customs laws. Italian customs clears all incoming shipments of medications, even small amounts for personal use. Delays in the release of medications by Italian Customs received by mail or by courier services are common. The receiving party must be able to provide a statement signed by a physician licensed in Italy, certifying:

The medication is essential for the patient, that he/she would be put in a life-threatening situation without it.

There is no substitute or equivalent medication available on the Italian market.

Exercise caution when purchasing medication overseas. Pharmaceuticals, both over the counter and requiring prescription in the United States, are often readily available for purchase with minimal controls. Medication should be purchased in consultation with a medical professional and from reputable establishments.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Food and Drug Administration are responsible for rules governing the transport of medication back to the United States. Medication purchased abroad must meet their requirements to be legally brought back into the United States. Medication should be for personal use and must be approved for usage in the United States. Please visit the  U.S. Customs and Border Protection  and the  Food and Drug Administration  websites for more information.

Vaccinations : Be up-to-date on all  vaccinations  recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

For further health information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  (CDC)

Air Quality:  Visit  AirNow Department of State  for information on air quality at U.S. Embassies and Consulates. Many cities in Italy have air pollution levels similar to those in major U.S. cities. 

In parts of Italy, the lack of adequate trash disposal and incineration sites has led to periodic accumulations of garbage. In some cases, residents have burned garbage, resulting in toxic emissions that can aggravate respiratory problems. 

Visit the  European Environment Agency’s website  for information on air quality in Italy.

Health Facilities:

The U.S. Embassy maintains a  list of doctors and hospitals . We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.

• Adequate health facilities are available throughout Italy, but health services may be below U.S. standards.
• Private hospitals usually require advance payment or proof of adequate insurance before admitting a patient.
• Travelers should make efforts to obtain complete information on billing, pricing, and proposed medical procedures before agreeing to any medical care.
• Medical staff may speak little or no English.
• Generally, in public hospitals only minimal staff is available overnight in non-emergency wards.
• In most cases, patients bear costs for transfer to or between hospitals.

Medical Tourism and Elective Surgery

• Medical tourism is a rapidly growing industry. People seeking health care overseas should understand that medical systems operate differently from those in the United States and are not subject to the same rules and regulations. Anyone interested in traveling for medical purposes should consult with their local physician before traveling and visit the  U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  website for more information on Medical Tourism.
• We strongly recommend  supplemental insurance  to cover medical evacuation in the event of unforeseen medical complications.

Adventure Travel: Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about  Adventure Travel .

Travel and Transportation

ROAD CONDITIONS AND SAFETY:  While in Italy, you may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States such as:

• Traffic lights are limited and often disobeyed.
• Motor scooters are very popular, and their riders may behave unexpectedly.
• Drivers frequently pass on superhighways (autostrada) at very high speeds.
• Rural roads are generally narrow, often have no guardrails, and inconsistent speed limits.
• Be careful when crossing streets even when using a marked crosswalk with a green walk (avanti) light illuminated.

Traffic Laws:

• Seat belt use is compulsory.
• You must use headlights year-round and at all times outside of urban areas.
• During the autumn/winter months, it is compulsory to have either winter tires or carry snow chains if driving outside urban areas.
• If you are stopped, under certain conditions you are expected to pay the police officer issuing the ticket immediately. Be prepared to pay in cash in local currency. Local police can confiscate your car if you cannot pay the fine.
• Fines are imposed if driving without the proper permits in historic downtown areas of cities and towns throughout Italy. Cameras photograph the license plates of cars illegally driving in parts of the city that require a permit. The fines imposed for these violations are forwarded to the driver’s home in the United States to request payment. For definitive legal guidance or to contest a fine, you should consult a lawyer licensed to practice in Italy.  See the U.S. Embassy of Rome’s transportation page for more information .
• Public Transportation: Pickpocketing is frequent on all public transportation, especially at train stations and major tourist sites.

See our  Road Safety  page for more information. Also, we suggest that you visit the website of the  Automobile Club d’Italia  (A.C.I.). For information on obtaining international drivers licenses, contact the  American Automobile Association  (AAA) via telephone at (407) 444-7000 or fax (407) 444-7380.

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT:  The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of Italy’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Italy’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the  FAA’s safety assessment page .

Maritime Travel:  Mariners planning travel to Italy should also check for  U.S. maritime advisories and alerts . Information may also be posted to the  U.S. Coast Guard homeport website , and the  NGA broadcast warnings .

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in Italy . For additional IPCA-related information, please see the International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA ) report.

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Milan Transport Tickets and Travel Cards

One-way tickets, 24 or 72-hour passes, weekly travel cards... discover all the types of ticket and transport cards available in Milan .

All the tickets and travel cards are valid for all of Milan’s means of transport: urban buses , trams , Milan Metro and urban trains.

You can purchase the transport tickets in the various metro stations, in the off-licenses and in any of Milan’s parking meters. From 2020 you'll have to load tickets onto an electronic card, RicaricaMi, of personal use.

Most useful tickets for tourists

Single ticket.

A single ticket covers areas Mi1, Mi2, and Mi3 and is  valid for 90 minutes since it is first punched into the validating machine. You can change metro lines during this time, but you cannot leave the metro station and then come back and use the same ticket . The price of a single urban ticket costs € 2 ( US$ 2.10).

24-hour travel card

The one-day travel card is valid for 24 hours since it's first punched into a validating machine. This means that if you validate your travel pass at 1:30 pm you can use the transport until 1:30 pm the next day. It covers areas Mi1, Mi2, and Mi3 and costs  € 7 ( US$ 7.50) .

72-hour travel card

The three-day travel card permits unlimited travel and is valid for 72   hours since it's first validated, costing € 12 ( US$ 12.90).

Ticket for your luggage

You'll sometimes have to buy a separate ticket for your luggage, depending on its size, and note that if you have more than one suitcase, you might not be allowed to get on the metro, tram, or bus.

The suitcases which can be carried onboard are very similar to the dimensions of the ones allowed on an airplane. The small ones (50 centimeters) are allowed on for free and the larger ones (50 x 90 centimeters) must have their own Luggage ticket. Suitcases over 90 cm are not allowed on Milan’s public transport, so you might want to think about taking another means of transport because you could be fined if your luggage is too large.

Other tickets and travel cards

10 standard tickets.

The price of 10 standard tickets is € 18 ( US$ 19.30), which saves you a little money compared to if you were to purchase 10 separate single tickets. This ticket can only be used by one person.

Weekly 2x6 ticket

This travel card is not very useful for visitors. It allows you to travel twice a day for 6 days during the same week for € 8.40 ( US$ 9).

Evening ticket

This ticket gives you unlimited access from 8 pm until the end of the service . The price of the ticket costs € 3 ( US$ 3.20).

Special tickets for the Fiera Milano (Rho Fiera)

A ticket to the Fiera Milano on Milan Metro’s line 1 costs € 2.55 ( US$ 2.70) per journey. This ticket will allow you to change lines and take other means of transport for 105 minutes after first validating it.

Travel Cards

As well as the already mentioned tickets, Milan’s public transport system also has weekly, monthly, and annual travel cards. These cards are not so useful for tourists unless you're planning on staying in Milan for over a week, as the card itself costs € 10 ( US$ 10.70).

Further Information

For more detailed information on the prices and types of tickets available on the Milan public transport network click here .

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Documentation

What documents are required for EU and non-EU citizens to enter and travel in Italy?

The documentation required to enter Italy varies according to your country of origin:

• for EU citizens and citizens of countries that have signed the Schengen Agreement , a valid identity card is sufficient as an alternative to a passport;
• Citizens from non-EU countries may enter Italy with a passport valid for at least three months after the planned date of departure from the Schengen Area.

Do I need a visa to go to Italy?

When you will need a visa to enter Italy

Depending on your country of origin, you may require a visa to enter Italy. You can request a visa from the Italian Embassy or Consulate in your country of residence and it will generally be issued after 90 days. To find out which countries require a visa to enter Italy, please visit esteri.it . On this website, you can enter your nationality, your country of residence, the duration of your stay (less than or more than 90 days) and the reason for your trip. Remember that once you arrive at the border, the authorities may request documentation justifying your reasons for and duration of your stay in Italy.

If you are staying at a hotel or other accommodation, its manager will fill out a Declaration of Presence for you, which they will then send to the Police Headquarters. However, it is always a good idea to always carry a copy of the Declaration with you, so that you can show it to the police in the event that they want to check.

If you enter Italy from a country outside the Schengen Area, the uniform Schengen stamp , which is affixed to your passport during border control, replaces the Declaration of Presence. If you enter Italy from a Schengen Area country and do not stay in an accommodation facility, you must submit a Declaration of Presence to the Police Headquarters of the province in which you are staying within eight days of entering Italy.

Travel insurance in Italy: tips for a smooth journey

Travel insurance is always recommended: this ensures that you are financially covered in the event of delays or flight cancellations, and you won’t be caught out in the event you experience health problems.

It is always a good idea to keep a screenshot or PDF copy of bookings for flights, hotels or other documents on your phone: this makes it easier to show information if requested.

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Want to work remotely in Italy? The country just launched its new digital nomad visa.

Remote workers with dreams of working from the rolling hills of Tuscany or the cliffs of Positano are now one step closer to making that reality. Italy launched a new digital nomad visa.

Two years after its announcement, the highly anticipated digital nomad visa officially became available for those eligible on April 4.  

“Italian-style, everything happens slowly,” said Nick Metta, a lawyer for the law firm Studio Legale Metta , which has helped Americans relocate to Italy for decades. “Now there is a pipeline of people waiting just to file the application. It's been a long-awaited visa.” 

Most of Metta’s clients would previously apply for a student visa, which allowed them to work part time in Italy. 

Under the new visa, people will be able to work from Italy for one year, with the option to renew once their visa is due for expiration. Without a visa, U.S. travelers could only stay in Italy for up to 90 days without the ability to work.

Learn more: Best travel insurance

The launch makes Italy the latest European country to offer a digital nomad visa , which has already been available in Greece and Hungary. 

Here’s everything we know about the digital nomad visa for Italy:

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Who can apply for a digital nomad visa in Italy?

According to the official decree , the visa is meant for those who “carry out a highly qualified work activity through the use of technological tools that allow you to work remotely.” 

The regulations define eligible applicants as “digital nomads,” self-employed freelancers, “remote workers,” or those employed by a company outside of Italy and can work from anywhere, according to Studio Legale Metta.

To qualify for the visa, the applicant has to meet certain requirements:

◾ A university or college degree or an accredited professional license.

◾ Six months of work experience in the industry, or five years for applicants without a university degree.

◾ An existing employment contract.

◾ A criminal record check.

◾ Proof of an annual income of 28,000 euros (about $29,880.06).

◾ Evidence of housing in Italy.

◾ Evidence of health insurance coverage.

Applicants can also apply to have family members join them on their Italian move, but the government has to give the final approval. 

How do I apply for the digital nomad visa in Italy?

Thankfully, Metta said the paperwork for the digital nomad visa isn’t “too complicated.” 

The first stop for interested applicants will be the Italian Consulate for their area. “Consulates are basically the front of the government to receive the applications,” Metta said. Interested applicants can book an appointment with the consulate and start gathering their necessary documents. People can also apply by mailing in their application. (However, Metta did mention consulate websites are often confusing and outdated, so working with a relocation service can make things easier.)

To apply, applicants will also need a passport with an expiration date at least three months after the end of the visa period and two passport-sized photos.

Relocation services can also help people navigate the sometimes complicated process of applying for a visa, such as negotiating early termination penalties with landlords in Italy. 

These services also help people with state and tax planning, especially if people own assets in the U.S., like a house. Once in Italy, people need to register their residency with the town hall, which will determine what sort of taxes they’ll pay. People can speak to an international tax specialist to figure out their future taxes as well. 

How much will the visa cost?

According to Studio Legale Metta, the application fee is 116 euros (about $123.78) per person.

How long will the application process take?

Not too long, actually. Metta estimates the process could take just three weeks if applicants are “well-organized and have all your tax documents filed.”

Kathleen Wong is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Hawaii. You can reach her at [email protected] .

Here are the best-rated Priority Pass lounges in 2024

P riority Pass has revealed its best-rated airport lounges around the world — and you're definitely going to want to tick off a few of them on future trips.

Pulled together as part of the Priority Pass Excellence Awards, this roundup features the highest-rated lounges across the Priority Pass network , their rankings decided by 379,966 member ratings and reviews.

Related: 11 credit cards that offer Priority Pass airport lounge access

Each lounge is judged on a range of criteria, including quality of facilities, customer service, food and beverage selection, and overall satisfaction, with the awards recognizing best-in-class lounges both regionally and globally.

"We have a shared ethos with our partners to deliver the best airport experience to our members and the winners of this year's Priority Pass Excellence Awards have proven that they truly elevate every customer journey into something special," said Christopher Evans, president of Collinson International.

Here's a rundown of the lounges that received the best ratings for 2024.

Global and Europe

Winner: vienna lounge, terminal 1, vienna airport (vie) in austria.

The Vienna Lounge was refurbished in 2022 and is likely the slickest Priority Pass lounge we've ever visited, so it's no surprise that it received the best ratings in Europe and globally from visitors. It features hip art nouveau stylings, a beautiful Viennese cafe and top-tier food and drinks. And that's before we even mention the airy outdoor terrace with runway views and the artwork displayed throughout the lounge, which includes various works from renowned Austrian painter Gustav Klimt.

"The Vienna Lounge is all about symbolising impressive Vienna elegance and Austrian cuisine for travellers," said Julian Jäger, joint CEO and chief operating officer of Vienna Airport, in reaction to the win. "To be named Global Lounge of The Year amongst 1,500 other lounges and travel experiences is an outstanding confirmation of the quality of our services."

Highly commended (Europe): Marco Polo Club, Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) in Italy

The Save SPA-partnered Priority Lounge, Marco Polo Club, was also highly commended and recognized for its selection of hot and cold snacks, beverages, shower facilities, and other amenities. It's a worthwhile stop-off point if you're visiting Venice soon.

The Asia-Pacific region

Winner: chase sapphire lounge by the club, terminal 1, hong kong international airport (hkg).

This stylish Chase Sapphire Lounge covers 12,000 square feet and opened in October 2022. It features separate spaces for those traveling for business and pleasure, with dedicated areas for work and relaxation. Along with self-serve food and drink options, the lounge has an impressive array of signature cocktails, curated wines and made-to-order dishes.

Highly commended: Oriental Club Lounge, Terminal 2, Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE)

This lounge haven in Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport is a perfect backdrop for travelers wanting to relax and enjoy freshly prepared (and delicious) Taiwanese delicacies during work downtime. You'll find a classy environment with grade-A service, food and drinks, and other amenities.

Latin America and the Caribbean

Winner: advantage vip lounge, curitiba afonso pena international airport (cwb) in brazil.

Priority Pass' standout offering in Brazil, the Advantage VIP Lounge, garnered great reviews for its excellent gastronomy experiences — which, along with regionally inspired menus, include delicious gluten-free options and frequent theme days that pay ode to Curitiba.

Highly commended: Macondo Lounge, Barranquilla Ernesto Cortissoz International Airport (BAQ) in Colombia

Also recognized was the Macondo Lounge in Colombia, which prides itself on its fully stocked selection of newspapers and magazines, friendly service and diverse seating areas.

The Middle East and Africa

Winner: petra lounge, amman queen alia international airport (amm) in jordan.

The Petra Lounge was ranked highly thanks to its warm and inviting front-of-house staff, great food and vast seating area decorated in modern Middle Eastern-influenced details that reference the region's rich culture.

Highly commended: Primeclass Lounge, Muscat International Airport (MCT) in Oman

The highly regarded Primeclass Lounge is not only a favorite of Priority Pass members but was also referenced in glowing terms repeatedly by members of the Priority Pass team when TPG recently asked for recommendations. The lounge features a sprawling open buffet, a gaming zone, a cinema, a spa and a kids play zone.

North America

Winner: vip lounge aguascalientes, aguascalientes international airport (agu) in mexico.

The VIP Lounge Aguascalientes topped the ratings across North America thanks to its vibrant food and drink services and comfortable, pet-friendly space.

Highly commended: Escape Lounge, South Terminal A, Syracuse Hancock International Airport (SYR) in New York

Finally, the Escape Lounge at Syracuse Hancock International Airport also received a worthwhile nod, thanks, in part, to its highly praised seasonal menus, which are changed frequently throughout the year.

Credit cards that offer Priority Pass Select memberships

These are multiple credit cards through which you can get a Priority Pass Select membership.

These include not only premium travel cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve® , The Platinum Card® from American Express (enrollment required) and the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card — which even includes two guests — but also hotel credit cards like the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card (enrollment required).

Bottom line

Priority Pass has just revealed the winners of its newly established Priority Pass Excellence Awards, which take into account ratings and reviews of lounges across its entire global network. For 2024, the standout Lounge of the Year award goes to the Vienna Lounge at Vienna Airport after it topped the global and European rankings.

Related reading:

• Key travel tips you need to know — whether you're a first-time or frequent traveler
• Best travel credit cards
• Where to go in 2024: The 16 best places to travel
• 6 real-life strategies you can use when your flight is canceled or delayed
• 8 of the best credit cards for general travel purchases
• 13 must-have items the TPG team can't travel without

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.